When clients come to you with an idea of what they want, how do you help them refine their criteria prior to finding a match?

I take great pride in understanding the wants of my clients.  At our initial meeting, I ask my clients some basic questions to that help me take in the wants and needs of people. The preferred area and size of home that my clients are looking for are very large components.  School District is big one, especially if they have little ones and are seeking the best schools in the area.  And Lastly Price, Price is probably the number one criteria point.

What is the most important thing you look for when purchasing a home for yourself?

The most important thing I look for when purchasing a home is the location of the home.  I think that has to be the number 1 on my list.  No matter how beautiful the home is, if it’s in the right area, it’s worthless.  I strive to advise my clients to focus on premier areas, where you they will always be ahead of the game

If you had to choose one piece of advice for first-time home buyers, what would it be?

If you had to choose one piece of advice for first-time home buyers it would definitely be to find a local broker in the area that you are seeking.  So many times I meet clients that were looking to buy a home in a certain area and chose an agent who was not familiar with that location.  In this business one must be knowledgeable and experienced in his field and area.

If you were not selling real estate, where would you be today?

If I were not selling Real Estate, I really don’t know what I would be doing.  I grew up being submerged in Real Estate.  My Father has been a Realtor for more than 35 Years.  So I have lived and breathed it all my life.  I absolutely enjoy what I do and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

What would you say is your most proud accomplishment as a real estate agent so far?

I would say that my proudest accomplishment in Real Estate thus far has been the reputation that I have attained in my area.  The awards are great, don’t get me wrong.  But knowing that when people think of Real Estate, your name comes up, there is no better feeling!!

What property do you currently have listed that you wish more people would see?

I presently have a few beautiful listings which are absolutely Phenomenal.  One in particular is my gorgeous Estate in Huntingdon Valley.

3900 Buck Rd Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006   

$2,799,900

Presented by Joseph B. Bograd

Immaculate estate home on 5+ acre lot. As you approach the gated entry, you will take notice of the arched limestone entry, courtyard formed by pavers and a four car garage. Custom and luxurious interior amenities include Gourmet Kit with pro appliances, custom marble work, flared brass main stairs & custom millwork t/o. Formal Cherry library, Master Suite w/FP, vaulted ceiling & marble bath. Daylight LL is finished with professional theater, wet bar & arcade game rm. The outdoor living boasts flagstone terraces, sitting walls, outdoor custom lighting w/custom pool and hot tub. Home is a Must See!!

The post Bucks Starts Here: Advice From Seasoned Professional Joseph B. Bograd On Bucks County Real Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

When clients come to you with an idea of what they want, how do you help them refine their criteria prior to finding a match?

View, water, size, and price are all considerations.

What is the most important thing you look for when purchasing a home for yourself?

I find location and value to be the most important aspects when purchasing a property.

If you had to choose one piece of advice for first-time home buyers, what would it be?

Be sure to research your market or get someone who will help you.

If you were not selling real estate, where would you be today?

Retail sales

What would you say is your most proud accomplishment as a real estate agent so far?

People trust me to help them and do the right thing!

What property do you currently have listed that you wish more people would see?

69 Biscuit Rock Road

Single Family Home Located very close to town in a great small subdivision, this is one of the best quality built homes on the market, 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, den, 2 car garage plus a lift to accommodate 3 cars. The Kitchen is one of a kind, from the Aga stove to the Commercial stainless hood with the additional Wolfe gas cook top. Subzero Refrigerator, 2 Freezer drawers, wine cooler, and commercial nuggett water/ice.

To learn more about Terry Potts, Country Club Properties, or this and other properties, visit his HLRN Profile

The post Dream Home Realized: Advice From North Carolina Real Estate Professional Terry Potts appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

What local amenities does this area have to offer (parks, community center, recreation programs)?

There are parks, a wonderful recreation program and a huge bonus – Hillsborough has its own Police and Fire Departments

Can you describe the local school system, and what type of education children get here (private, public, charter - focus on sports, the arts, etc.)?

The public school system within the town of Hillsborough rated as one of the top school systems on the San Francisco Peninsula

What is the community culture like (i.e. private, gated, urban, diverse, etc)?

Hillsborough is a community of single family homes.  There is a diverse culture with strong emphasis on its outstanding school system and community involvement.

What is transportation like to the area's major surrounding cities, or within the city?

 Public transportation is easily accessible nearby in the downtown area of Burlingame.

Is there a strong political presence or community leader involvement in this area?

Yes, an elected board of community volunteers, Hillsborough provides an online and print newsletter for its residents and focuses on excellent communication between the Town Hall and residents.

Are there any local traditions that bring the community together? (sports events, charity events, sales, holiday celebrations)

Hillsborough celebrated its 100^th birthday this year with a parade, there are classes and training sessions at our town hall for the community as well as  an Emergency Response Program

What is the job market like or major industries that are at the core of this area?

Biotech and Technology firms as well as Financial related are a large majority of the industry locally.

hillsborough real estate

835 Chiltern Road, Hillsborough

List price $38,500,000*

This world class estate is situated on more than 6 acres of manicured grounds. The main house spans some 36,000 square feet and while it ranks as one of the West Coast’s largest private residences, is also a warm and family friendly home. Fireplaces, lush carpeting, and beautiful decor lend coziness to the bedrooms, family rooms and other living areas while formal rooms can accommodate entertaining on a grand scale.  Interiors abound with museum-quality artifacts, and amenities include automated lighting, heating, and air conditioning systems, state of the art screening room, indoor lap pool, racquetball and squash court, gymnasium, tennis court, and guest house.

*Includes furnishings and art (seller to provide exclusion list)

Adjacent 2.5 acres available for purchase

To learn more about Susan Herman, Hillsborough Real Estate, or 835 Chiltern Road, visit her HLRN Profile:

http://dev.hauteresidence.com/member/susan-herman/

The post Suburban Exclusivity: Industry Leader Susan Herman On The Hillsborough Real Estate Market appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

What local amenities does this area have to offer (parks, community center, recreation programs)?

Miami and Miami Beach offer rich and diverse cultural amenities and the neighborhoods within these two cities are unique unto themselves.

Downtown Miami and the Biscayne Corridor Neighborhood

There’s so much to see in the areas around downtown Miami, Brickell and the Biscayne Corridor, you could almost spend an entire vacation just exploring the sites and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle South Florida offers.  For example:

Gusman Center for the Fine Arts - Miami’s Beloved Cultural Center Since 1926
is tucked into Miami’s contemporary skyline -- an enchanting Mediterranean courtyard with shimmering stars and golden balconies. Majestic turrets and towers suggest another era when performances were events and grand theaters provided a dreamlike escape from the modern world. The Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts is not just a “venue” – is the jewel of South Florida arts and entertainment facilities, affording South Florida’s diverse community and its international guests a unique cultural experience.

The Miami Art Museum was founded in 1996 as a contemporary art museum with a world-class permanent collection. This Miami museum is a must-see Miami attraction and will be even more spectacular in 2013 when a new museum opens as part of the new  29-acre Museum Park overlooking Biscayne Bay.  In addition to the museum, Museum Park will include public gardens and sculpture installations. Museum Park, a vibrant mix of green space and cultural offerings, is Miami's urban redesign vision for the area now known as Bicentennial Park. This vital downtown park, a catalyst for the transformation of the district, is central to efforts to strengthen Greater Miami’s momentum as an emerging global capital.

Miami Science Museum - is home to many world-class exhibits featured on a rotating basis. Like the Miami Art Museum, the Miami Science Museum is also moving to Museum Park where it will be renamed the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, after one of South Florida biggest philanthropist families.

Bicentennial Park is located just north of Bayside Marketplace on the waterfront in Downtown Miami and was once the former site of the Port of Miami. The park is home to many Miami attractions including the annual Ultra Music Festival.  Visitors from all over the country flock to Miami to see events like Cirque du Soleil, a House of Terror Amusement Park and even a Presidential rally.

The Miami Circle - Discovered in 1998, the site consists of 24 holes cut into the limestone bedrock and once housed a permanent structure built by the Tequesta Indians. It may have been the capital structure of their village and is believed to be between 1700-2000 years old. The site is now a public park situated along the Miami River.

The Adrienne Arsht Center embraces excellence, celebrates differences, renews the spirit and engages diverse communities through the power of the performing arts.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens- Vizcaya was built by American industrialist James Deering in 1916 to serve as his winter vacation home. Today, it is one of the biggest must-see attractions in Miami, and gives visitors a peek into the lives of the super-wealthy during the 1920s.

Miami Children’s Museum – Located on Watson Island, mid-way between Miami and Miami Beach on the MacArthur Causeway, the Miami Children’s Museum offers children and the young at heart the opportunity to explore imaginations through educational play.

 

Miami Beach

Often called the “Billion Dollar Sandbar,” Miami Beach re-emerged on the international scene of “cool” in the ‘80s and ‘90s with the re-birth of the famous Art Deco District.  Divided into three sections – South Beach, Mid-Beach and North Beach, Miami Beach is largely walkable and is often called the “sun and fun capital of the world,” thanks to Jackie Gleason’s variety show which was broadcast from CBS studios here.

The Miami Beach Art Deco District is a U.S. historic district (designated as such on May 14, 1979) located in the heart of South Beach. The district is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Sixth Street to the south, Alton Road to the west, the Collins Canal and Dade Boulevard to the north. It contains an amazing collection of 960 historic buildings.

Flamingo Park, located in the heart of the Art Deco District offers an array of recreational activities set among grassy lawns and old trees. There are baseball and football stadiums,  basketball courts, racquet and handball courts, an eight-lane running track, a tennis center with 20 clay courts, a lap pool and a splash pool, showers, locker rooms and a pro shop.

Lincoln Road -- Lincoln Road Mall is a pedestrian-only promenade and the epicenter of what’s happening in South Beach. Located between Alton Road and Washington Avenue, Lincoln Road offers unique shopping, sidewalk cafes, bars, galleries, and fine dining. People watching is also a favorite pastime.

New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy marks a new era for classical music with the inauguration of the institution’s first purpose-built home, an extraordinary new facility in the center of South Beach. Designed by Frank Gehry in close collaboration with the New World Symphony’s founder and artistic director Michael Tilson Thomas, New World Center opens up exciting new possibilities in the way music is taught, presented and experienced and dramatically advances New World Symphony’s mission to provide exceptional professional training for the gifted young music school graduates who are its Fellows.

BASS Museum of Art – The Bass Museum inspires and educates by exploring the connections between its historical collections and contemporary art. Permanent and rotating exhibitions present art in dynamic conversations spanning time, history and cultures. The Museum’s collection of Antiquities, Renaissance and Baroque art anchors rotating exhibitions and educational programs.

Wolfsonian FIU Museum – The Wolfsonian–Florida International University is a museum, library, and research center that uses objects to illustrate the persuasive power of art and design, to explore what it means to be modern, and to tell the story of social, historical, and technological changes that have transformed our world. The collections comprise approximately 120,000 objects from the period of 1885 to 1945—the height of the Industrial Revolution to the end of the Second World War—in a variety of media including furniture; industrial-design objects; works in glass, ceramics, and metal; rare books; periodicals; ephemera; works on paper; paintings; textiles; and medals.

Muss Park is a children's park located in the Mid-Beach District. It features a variety of play structures, hopscotch boards, a log roll, a tot lot, rock climbing walls and telescopes. There are also basketball courts and a pavilion. The park is available for rental.

Fairway Park sits on a large, grassy tract off Normandy Shores Boulevard in North Beach. It features a recreation building for organized activities, two playgrounds, a tot lot, basketball and tennis courts, as well as shaded benches and picnic areas.

Miami Beach is also extremely dog friendly.  Whether on Lincoln Road or at one of the city’s six “Bark Parks”

 

So. Pointe Park - 1 Washington Ave

Belle Isle Park – Island Ave. on Belle Isle

Washington Avenue Bark Park – 201 2^nd Street

Pinetree Bark Park -4400 Pinetree Drive

Flamingo Bark Park – 13^th & Michigan

Can you describe the local school system, and what type of education children get here (private, public, charter - focus on sports, the arts, etc.)? 

Miami-Dade County Public Schools, America’s fourth-largest school system with a diverse enrollment of more than 340,000 students from over 100 countries, offers innovative educational programs at its 435 schools, including elementary, middle, senior high schools and alternative, specialized and vocational centers. Students and their families have an active voice in choosing learning opportunities that foster academic excellence, school-to-career pathways and real-world learning.

With 340 programs, including 90 magnet schools, the Miami-Dade school district has one of the largest choice programs in the United States. The impressive array of course offerings include renowned bilingual schools, international baccalaureate programs, schools in the workplace, and a convenient downtown commuter school designed for working parents.

What is the community culture like (i.e. private, gated, urban, diverse, etc)

Miami City Ballet (MCB) is among the largest ballet companies in the United States, with more than 40 dancers and a fiscal year 2012-2013 budget of approximately $13.6 million.

Wynwood ART WALK   takes place every Second Saturday monthly from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The gallery walk is free and open to the public. Galleries and public institutions open their doors for this artistic encounter as entertainment, cocktails and more spill onto the streets as gatherers enjoy the vibrant and creative atmosphere. The Wynwood Art District extends approximately from North Miami Avenue to I-95 and runs from 10th to 36th Street. Wynwood Arts District is home to over 50 galleries, artist studios, art complexes, and museum collections.

Miami Design District is located just north of Wynwood on Biscayne Blvd and 40th Street in Miami. The Miami Design District is an 18-block neighborhood with over 127 galleries, restaurants and stores to explore. This historic district has a rich architecture with design companies, upscale furniture stores, and art galleries being the main attractions. The best international brands are represented in the district, including Fendi, Poltrona Frau and Kartel.

Spending a few hours in the design district is highly recommended in order to see a large variety of unique art deco buildings, visit the interesting stores, and stop by for a quick lunch in one of the local restaurants. Numerous art fairs are periodically held in the district and more notoriously during the famous Art Basel exhibition in December.

The free SoundScape Cinema Series and WallCast Concerts turn the New World Center's park in Miami Beach into a grassy mecca for culture lovers.  Just before 8 p.m. on a Wednesday night in South Beach, hundreds of friends, couples and families gather in a grassy park just north of Lincoln Road. Some come with dogs, others with strollers, all navigating the curvilinear sidewalks that slice into the lawn to claim their plot of grass with beach blankets and picnics. The gently undulating topography mimics the Atlantic Ocean, only a few blocks east.

What is transportation like to the area's major surrounding cities, or within the city?

Metrorail has stops throughout Miami with connections to Miami International Airport, all Metrobus lines, Tri-Rail and Amtrak. The main bus station in Downtown is located next to the Arsht Center at the Adrienne Arsht Center Station. As an urban and pedestrian-friendly area with an extensive public transit network, Downtown (along with Brickell, Omni, and South Beach) is one of the areas in Miami where a car-free lifestyle is commonplace. Many Downtown residents get around by foot, bicycle, Metromover or by taxi. The Metromover is a popular alternative to walking in the area, especially on rainy, hot or cold days, as the Metromover is free, and stations are located roughly every two blocks throughout the area.

Recently, the City of Miami and the City of Miami Beach have begun bicycle initiatives promoting city-wide bike parking and bike lanes, that have made bicycling much more popular for residents.

Tri-Rail expansion

In the 2025 and 2030 long range transportation plans, Miami's commuter rail system, Tri-Rail, has envisioned moving to or adding service on the Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) corridor, which runs along the region's densest neighborhoods, parallel to Biscayne Boulevard in Miami, and Federal Highway in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Tri-Rail service on the FEC line would bring Tri-Rail to Downtown's transit hub, Government Center Station, connecting Downtown directly to Midtown Miami/Miami DesignDistrict, Upper East Side/Miami Shores, North Miami, North Miami Beach/Aventura.

Taxis

Taxis are popular especially from Downtown to South Beach, Design District or to Coconut Grove. Since many Downtown residents choose to not have cars, taxis are also popular for rides within Downtown neighborhoods, especially after midnight when the Metromover stops running. Taxis can be hailed on the street, or phoned.

Is there a strong political presence or community leader involvement in this area? 

As a true melting pot of cultures and beliefs from around the world, we are a diverse and passionate community.  Political and civic leans span from left to right and when an election comes up, you can count on spirited debate.  Whatever your beliefs or political affiliations are, you will find it easy to identify and establish relationships to causes that you hold dear.

Are there any local traditions that bring the community together? (sports events, charity events, sales, holiday celebrations)?

Again, because of the diversity of the region, many of our local traditions are imported from somewhere else and “Miami-fied.”  Art Basel from Switzerland brings the world of art collectors to Miami Beach and the mainland for an insane week of art and parties.  Calle Ocho takes over 8^th Street with a Carnival like Latin/Caribbean street festival.  Miami Beach Gay Pride brings the LGBT community and their friends to Ocean Drive each April for the largest, single-day event in Miami Beach.  And then there’s everything in between.

What is the job market like or major industries that are at the core of this area?

Downtown is South Florida's main hub for finance, commerce and international business. Brickell Avenue has the largest concentration of international banks in the U.S.  Downtown is home to many companies, corporations and organizations.  Miami Beach is a hub for entrepreneurs and creative industries, such as fashion, art and photography.

Downtown Miami has about 20,000,000 square feet of office space, and is the central financial and business hub of South Florida. Some private companies with headquarters in Downtown are Akerman Senterfitt, Arquitectonica, Espírito Santo Financial Group, Florida Justice Institute, Greenberg Traurig, Holland & Knight, Limehouse Software, Macy's Florida, Miami Herald, Miami Today, Shutts & Bowen, Terremark Worldwide, Vector Group, World Property Channel, and Zyscovich Architects. Sanford Group Company and Sanford Fiduciary Investor Services, Inc., and LTU International had headquarters in Downtown.

What are some thriving small local businesses that make an impact in the community?

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and kicking in Miami and Miami Beach, especially on the Beach.  From art to high tech endeavors, the climate for thriving small business is as bright and sunny as the tropical climate itself.

What are the local property taxes like and what other financial responsibilities should a property owner in this area be prepared for?  

While our property taxes are a bit higher than elsewhere in the country, there are no state income taxes in Florida, so a homeowner usually comes out ahead.  The tax rate is approximately 2 % but varies by neighborhood and is based on the home’s assessed value which is usually lower than market value.  We have a wonderful website that outlines the tax duties at

http://www.miamidade.gov/proptax/

Please note any Key Listings you have in your area:

Marquis Tower

Worldwide Properties exclusively represents a public company abroad which holds a portfolio of 20 condominiums in the ultra-chic Marquis Tower in downtown Miami.  The condos are located just across from Miami's Bicentennial Park and Museum Park, home to the new Miami Art Museum which is currently under construction.

The ultra luxury condos boast private elevator lobbies and modern, sleek kitchens equipped with Viking appliances and marble finishes. Modern baths with Duravit and Starck fixtures and floating bay view showers make these condos highly desirable residences in downtown.

_____________________________________________________

Icon 1201

Absolutely stunning corner 01 residence commanding breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay, Fisher Island, the Atlantic Ocean, Miami skyline and parading cruise ships. No expense was spared in this meticulous upgrade, form the completely remodeled kitchen & baths, to the BMW metallic paint finishes on the elevator/lobby doors! Exotic mosaic baths are complimented by serene sunsets. Exquisitely appointed interiors by designers with the finest furnishings and technology make this the perfect turnkey home.

Miami real estate is flourishing, and its posh gated communities — such as Fisher Island, Star Island, and the Venetian Islands— are attracting ultra wealthy buyers. Adding to its allure are Miami’s sophistication and culture. While wealthy Russian and Latin American buyers are swooping up a large percentage of Miami’s real estate, North America is also well represented, with Wall Street millionaires purchasing luxury condos and avoiding New York taxes.

Here, Haute Residence gives you an inside look at some of the most enviable Miami luxury condos.

The post Downtown Miami Real Estate: Realtor J. “Eddy” Martinez Takes Us To The Core Of The Melting Pot appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

What local amenities does this area have to offer (parks, community center, recreation programs)?

Bucks County is made up of multitude of parks and recreation areas: Tylor State Park, Washington Crossing Park just to  name a few.

Can you describe the local school system, and what type of education children get here (private, public, charter - focus on sports, the arts, etc.)? 

Ccouncil Rock School District is one of the best public system school districts in the nation. The area has to offer many private and parochial schools like St. Bede's, Villa Joseph Marie, George School as well as Bucks County Community College, Holy Family and La Salle University.

What is the community culture like (i.e. private, gated, urban, diverse, etc)

Bucks is one of the oldest communities in the country and has a very rich history. Of  very old farm houses and tons built around farming communities that have been around thriving for the last 300 years. This area shows no signs ff decline offering new modern communities and developments to young families as well as older adults.

What is transportation like to the area's major surrounding cities, or within the city?

Most areas have convenient access to highways and both New Jersey and Pa turnpike. For those who prefer not to drive there is the whole  network of transit stations taking commuters to Philadelphia or NYC and anyplace in between.

Is there a strong political presence or community leader involvement in this area?

Political figures certainly like to maintain their presence in the community. Their offices remain being strategically placed throughout all areas.

Are there any local traditions that bring the community together? (sports events, charity events, sales, holiday celebrations)?

Communities love getting together for various holiday parades and school sports. Twice a year parks and recreations dpt  organizes crafts festivals.

What is the job market like or major industries that are at the core of this area?

 The job market in Bucks County is historically better that in the rest of the country or even the state.

What are some thriving small local businesses that make an impact in the community?

Since the  local population loves eating out it is safe to say that various restaurants usually do well here, especially the ones that offer outside seating.

The post Best of Bucks: Realtor Joseph B. Bograd on Bucks County Real Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

What local amenities does this area have to offer (parks, community center, recreation programs)?

Costa Rica is known for its large number of national parks, that range from the beaches where you can view the whales each year as the migrate through our waters, to the high hills where we have active volcanos and hot springs. Whether you are a beach goer or a mountain climber, there is something for everyone to do and have fun here in some fashion. Bird watchers from around the world come to Costa Rica just to see the amazing queztal birds and or our bright red Scarlett macaws.

Can you describe the local school system, and what type of education children get here (private, public, charter - focus on sports, the arts, etc.)?

Costa Rica has one of the best rated school systems in Central America and there is something for all. Ranging from private to public school system throughout the country

What is the community culture like (i.e. private, gated, urban, diverse, etc)?

The culture of Costa Rica is very urban, natural socitey mixed with a very happy and upbeat attitude toward life.

What is transportation like to the area's major surrounding cities, or within the city?

Great transportation systems ranging from trains, buses, and taxies.

Is there a strong political presence or community leader involvement in this area?

 There is a strong political presence here.

Are there any local traditions that bring the community together? (sports events, charity events, sales, holiday celebrations)?

Costa Rica is filled with events, from Easter week, to Indpedance day on Sept 14, to Holiday parades. Also with a brand new stadium built in the main city, Costa Rica is now hosting many big names, from the music industry like Lady GAGA coming in Nov, to Monster truck events.

What is the job market like or major industries that are at the core of this area?

The job market in Costa Rica has been quite dynamic recently. While layoffs continue, new job opportunities continue to emerge as companies look to capitalize on the country’s talented workforce.

What are the local property taxes like and what other financial responsibilities should a property owner in this area be prepared for?

Local property taxes are less than 25% of 1% a year and the local wage is about US $1.50 to $2.00 an hour.

Please note any Key Listings you have in your area:

Stylish Hotel

This newly built property incorporates five elevated cabins which stretch out over rolling green landscape beneath. The units are a fusion of modern and traditional design and compliment the surrounding tropical landscape, with a large bathroom and walk-in closet, in quality glass, bamboo and ceramic finishes. Each air conditioned cabin features expansive windows and ocean facing balconies.

Casa Big Sur

The post Regional Expert Realtor Daveed Hollander Weights In on Costa Rica Real Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.