Nestled away in a matchless spot, Belize is a nation of Hispanic, English, and Caribbean influence and a top destination on any traveler’s list. The coastal paradise boasts lush jungles, historic Mayan ruins, and snaking rivers that run from the tip of Corozal to the bottom of Toledo. As you venture out to the coast, you’ll find quaint islands like Caye Caulker, where “go slow” is the charming motto the island’s residents live by. The more popular Ambergris Caye is home to San Pedro Town, the continually growing marquee destination for ex-pats from all walks of life. Proximity to the Barrier Reef, crystal blue waters, and year-round summery weather have made Belize a go-to vacation spot and a second or even permanent home to many. Whether you’re a free spirit who wants to put down roots on an island oasis or an entrepreneur planning your next big move, Belize has something for you – you betta Belize it.

Belize is often praised for its undisturbed flora and fauna replete with lush jungles and thoughtfully restricted marine zones making the country an ecotourist’s haven. In a world where climate change and reducing one’s carbon footprint are ever-growing concerns, Belize is a veritable utopia where Mother Nature still reigns supreme. A number of established eco-resorts - many of them private-island-based - enjoy very consistent high-end business whilst legitimately pioneering a new way of traveling. Size isn’t an issue either; the moderately-sized 7-acre Ray Caye located about an hour’s boat ride from Placencia, has 20 rooms and accommodates no more than 50 guests at a time and also features a pristine gym, yoga studio, Pelagic store, and gift shop. 

The private island buy-in is actually more flexible than one would expect with costs ranging from as low as US $250,000 for 1–2-acre options to as much as US $20 million for behemoth acreages prime for development. Most of the private islands in Belize are undeveloped, making it a playground for creating the tropical paradise of your dreams. Building from the ground up ensures that you’ll get exactly what you want every step of the way. Imagine the possibilities of launching a boat off of your own private deck or concluding the 2-hour flight to Belize from Miami by landing on your own heliport? It’s important to note that some structures might require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which may seem intimidating but is a non-factor with the right builders. 

The country benefits from a fixed exchange rate of two to one to the US dollar (BZE $2 = US $1), currencies such as £ Pounds and € Euros can be exchanged at most banks. The combination of the stable and predictable currency, an ever-increasing demand for rooms, and new flights being continually added, makes for a favorable business environment for those looking to net strong ROI as they consider a potential move or investment. Of course, you may also just be looking for your dream escape, expenses be damned. 

Now that you're at the point of buying a private island, you might be asking ‘how does one navigate the tricky world of real estate with the laws and regulations from a country unknown to you’? This is where the expertise of a firm like 4Realty comes in. A service leader in the industry, our broker and agents offer a distinct and proven insight into Belize’s landscape and pride themselves on providing excellent and ethical service to their clients. The right agency hits the ground running, from the early stages of direct marketing and advertising to closing the deal on your new paradise home. Throughout the process, you need to be able to trust that you’re in the capable hands of seasoned agents whose goal is to see their buyers and sellers walk away happy and free. 

In Belize, real estate agents can represent both the buyer and seller which can sometimes lead to murky deals. That’s why it’s important to choose a firm like 4Realty that’s an International Realtor® Member and a proud member of the Belize National Association of Real Estate (BNAR), an organization committed to implementing legislation and licensure within the industry and abides by a stringent code of ethics. If you require further help in developing your newly acquired property, starting a business, navigating permits, or anything else you might need to make your move to Belize seamless, you can count on the consulting branch of 4Realty, Arch Consulting Group to dutifully guide you through the process. As luxury real estate continues to rise in Belize, isn’t it time to kick your feet in the sand and stay awhile? 

For more information, please contact Carlo Habet at carlo@4realty.bz or +1 (754) 444-7773

Carlo Habet is the exclusive agent representing the Belize real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

The post You Better Belize it! Carlo Habet Talks How To Navigate Buying A Private Island In Another Country appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Mother-daughter team Roberta and Giovanna Ingletto recently sold their luxury listing at the Four Seasons in Surfside, Florida. Unit 511S was put on the market at $24M and sold for $23,000,000 making it the highest resale sold price of the building ever. Not only that but with a price of $4,927/sqft, this unit is also the highest price per square foot ever in Miami-Dade county.

The Four Seasons at the Surf Club has a sparkling reputation and many stars have graced its hallways over the years including Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and Winston Churchill. Located along a 9-acre stretch of beachfront in the district of Surfside, the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club exudes effortless elegance and timeless values. Designed by Pritzker prize-winning Richard Meier, the Four Seasons is an exclusive beach sanctuary

Unit 511S is a one-of-a-kind, turn-key, oceanfront corner residence in the Four Seasons at The Surf Club. Classic & contemporary, this condo was designed by Brazilian architect Carolina Proto and features custom millwork, gourmet Boffi kitchen, SubZero & Miele appliances, Italian travertine floors, Ornare closet cabinetry, floor-to-ceiling windows, a 1,300 sqft terrace, private foyer & more.

For more information, please contact Roberta or Giovanna Ingletto at 305.778.7343 or roberta@rgirealty.com / gio@rgirealty.com.

Roberta and Giovanna Ingletto are the exclusive agents representing the Pinecrest / South Miami, FL real estate market as members of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of their listings here.

Photo credits: RGI Realty

The post Roberta and Giovanna Ingletto of RGI Realty Make Record-Breaking Sale At Four Seasons Residences in Surfside appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The number one rule is to allow your home to shine online and here’s how to do that. 

In order to capture the highest and best offer and maximize return, on most likely your biggest asset, a homeowner should consider doing the following: 

1. Paint. Painting both interior and exterior to create a fresh, clean slate.  
2. Update Light Fixtures. I like to say, lighting is jewelry to the home.  Light fixtures make a big impact with very little investment. 
3. Staging. Staging allows the buyer to see the home rather than look at the furniture. It is very difficult for a home buyer, even a Realtor, to imagine what a home could be if it is currently occupied by a seller as a buyer tends to dwell on “their” things rather than home. 
4. Landscaping. You get one chance to make a good impression and the first thing a buyer will see is the front of the home. 

1. Window Washing & Detailed Interior Cleaning. I always tell my clients after they purchase a home to remember to have their windows cleaned inside and out, yearly. It makes such a difference.

Beyond the shortlist, and depending on condition here are 5 additional improvements that can be made. 

• Kitchen Refresh: Paint kitchen cabinets, replace countertops, and replace knobs & pulls. 
• Bathroom Refresh: Paint bathroom cabinets, replace the mirror, update lighting and replace knobs & pulls. 
• Flooring: Replace carpet
• Refinish hardwood floors 
• Replace sewer lateral  

Allow the home to be presented in its best light.

Prior to any work being done, we like to gauge the condition of the home thereby generating the following reports. Depending on the market you are buying or selling a home varies as to whether the Buyer or the Seller will assume responsibility for any of the reports provided by a Seller. In the Bay Area market, for the most part, these reports and inspections and any work to be done on the home being sold will be passed onto the Buyer. In order to compete in a multiple offer situation, a Buyer has to put his/her best foot forward and that will include a very clean offer without any contingencies.

• Pest Inspection 
• Home Inspection 
• Sewer Lateral 
• Roof 
• Fireplace/Chimney 
• Foundation Inspection (as recommended by the Home Inspector) and any others the home warrants further investigation

and depending on current market conditions a home is located and whether it is a Buyer or Seller's market — the work to be done as is outlined in each report will either be passed onto the Buyer — as is the case in our area, however, if you are selling in a Buyers market - a credit towards repairs may be likely. 

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of properly preparing a home for market in order to gain the maximum return on investment. 

Today, Buyers begin their search online. If a home fails to sparkle online there is a good chance many Buyers will not contact their agent to preview the home nor attend any of the public open house opportunities. Depending on what a Buyer sees online, a decision will be made in seconds whether to preview or skip it. Buyers are busy at work, travel, and play— we live in busy times. If a home misses out on being seen by potential Buyers an opportunity is missed. In order for a home to sell over the asking price that entails multiple bidders. 

In conclusion, don’t short-change yourself or cut corners and leave money on the table; allow your home to shine online and make it readily and easily available for homebuyers to preview.  Should you seek further advice and information please do not hesitate to contact us. 

The post Debbi DiMaggio Gives The Top 5 Home Improvements A Homeowner Should Invest In Prior To Market appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

“My career in real estate began because I had a bad service experience with a realtor, so to this day I make sure to go above and beyond for my clients.”

Living - and loving - the Miami lifestyle with her family, Renata Galembeck Rohr has a passion for sharing the marvels of Miami with individuals, families, and businesses. Since 2007, Renata has been a licensed Realtor Associate working with clients from Fortune 500 and international firms in industries such as Food & Beverage, Retail, Legal, Real Estate, Chemical, and Manufacturing. She is currently selling luxury residential properties in South Florida as the Miami skyline constantly changes with its latest projects.

Recently, Renata talked with Haute Residence about her career, the effects of covid, and why Miami (and Florida in general) is the best market in the country.

How did you get your start in the business?

Prior to moving to Miami, I used to assist in orthopedic surgeries in California, but when I moved I knew that I didn't want to be in the surgery room all day, there is so much to do outdoors that I figured I would change professions. I had a bad experience with a Realtor, so I decided to get my Real Estate license, which I did within a couple of months, and I placed my license with Swire Realty, a sister company of Swire property, developers of Brickell Key and Brickell City Center.

I was a Realtor for Swire from 2007 until 2019, doing resale and pre-construction all over South Florida.  I took over my Landlord’s place and sold it in a few weeks, and haven’t stopped since!

Why did you choose to work under Douglas Elliman?

In 2019, Swire decided to close the Realty office. I literally interviewed with every company that does business in Miami and Douglas Elliman provided everything that I needed. They cover NY, California, Colorado, Texas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, they also have an international partner Knight Frank, and Florida offices from Palm Beach all the way to Miami. They keep me highly engaged by providing an amazing platform that encompasses the latest technology, marketing, and training. They checked all the boxes for me, I would say that they are the best in the business.

Should someone be their own broker or what advantages are there to working under a larger brokerage?

At the end of the day, everyone chooses their own path. For me, working under a reputable brokerage means that you fit their high standards and work ethics. The Real Estate Market is ever-evolving and a larger brokerage brings a level of competitiveness that would be hard to emulate by being your own broker.

What sets you apart from other real estate agents?

I always take into consideration the human perspective of the transaction. I put my clients first. I see that a lot of agents have become desensitized with the responsibilities that we have. To me it is all about building a long-lasting relationship, it takes a lot of trust and knowledge to be able to do that.

How have you seen Covid affect the market?

Covid brought a lot of Covid driven buyers to South Florida. The main reasons were the weather, lifestyle, and COVID policies compared to the states that buyers were relocating from. The inventory for single homes quickly disappeared, and the remaining condos quickly followed behind. Rental prices have risen significantly, making buying a property a lot more desirable to the ones that could afford it.

Markets are holding steady for the moment with the opening of our international borders and a flurry of international buyers, we have yet to see what is to be expected in the next few months for the South Florida Real Estate Market.

What advice do you have for those looking to go into the real estate market?

In my opinion, the best is to gauge which side of the market you fit in, if you are an investor or want to downsize you can definitely sell your property and reap the benefits. The same goes if you are moving from a state where properties are much more expensive than South Florida, then you should buy.

On the other hand, if you don't need to move and could wait and see, I believe that markets will stabilize in the long run bringing lots of new inventory for clients to choose from.

South Florida will always be a wonderful place to invest and live no matter where the Real estate market trends take us because we have a lot more to offer than just the property itself, we have amazing weather year-round, a desirable lifestyle for families and single people, and one of the best tax benefits in the country.

The post Renata Galembeck Rohr – Luxury Realtor Shares Her Insights appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

With more than a decade of industry experience, Tzinker is one of the most accomplished real estate brokers in Miami, achieving a quarter billion in combined sales throughout his career including record-breaking transactions at iconic residential properties including the W South Beach, Indian Creek’s “Billionaire’s Bunker,” Faena, The Miami Beach EDITION, Icon South Beach, and Armani Casa.

The luxury real estate broker recently joined global real estate brokerage The Agency South Florida. The Agency is a full-service, luxury real estate brokerage and lifestyle company representing clients in a spectrum of classes, including residential, new development, resort real estate, residential leasing, and luxury vacation rentals.

Fifteen years ago, Tzinker came to the United States to pursue a career in hospitality. It was then that he honed a unique ability to service high-end clientele. To further his understanding of the industry, he obtained a bachelor's degree in hospitality and marketing from Johnson and Wales University. His schooling helped him establish a trusted system that meets and identifies the needs of his clients utilizing superior customer service and innovative marketing strategies.

Prior to launching his career in real estate, he attended the Navy Officer Academy and served in the Israeli Navy. There, he developed impeccable organizational and disciplinary skills, which he now applies to his real estate business. Tzinker strives to deliver a premier experience to his clients, ensuring that every transaction is done with integrity, excellence, innovation, and class.

Now recognized as one of Miami Beach’s top real estate advisors, Tzinker specializes in residential sales throughout the area’s luxury neighborhoods and serves a broad client base both nationally and internationally with new development, condominium, and penthouse purchases. He also acts as a trusted advisor to local sellers looking to gain top value for their homes. Through the cultivation of meaningful relationships over the years, he’s become a well-regarded real estate consultant with deep connections throughout the Miami market.

“I look forward to continuing to service buyers and sellers in the Miami area while showcasing the power of The Agency, with its collaborative culture and elevated, white-glove service," Daniel Tzinker said.

The post Luxury Real Estate Agent Daniel Tzinker Joins The Agency South Florida appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Nestled in Hidden Hills is the beautiful Hidden Hills Manor and Vineyard. Home to Wish Vineyards, this estate has recently gone on the market and is available for all winery-hopefuls to finally make their dreams come true.

Perched atop a privately gated 1.5-acre knoll, an impressive motor court welcomes you to this distinctive 8 bedroom, 10 bathroom estate compound.

A grand 2-story foyer & main hall open to an array of dramatic public living areas warmed by numerous fireplaces and adorned with custom millwork & gleaming wood floors. The professional chef's kitchen boasts top-of-the-line appliances, a center island & a sunlit breakfast room. The adjacent great room adorned with rich wood paneling, custom fireplace, beamed ceiling detail & impressive entertainers bar is the heart of this home. Two en-suite guest bedrooms and a handsome library complete the main living floor. The upper level features an elegant primary suite plus 3 additional secondary en-suite bedrooms.

But the crown jewel of the property is, of course, the vineyard that comes with the land. Today, Haute Residence sat down with the current owner and seller of Wish Vineyards and the property to learn more about what goes into owning a vineyard and the lifestyle associated with it.

Photo Credit: Luxury Level

HR: What would you say is the lifestyle associated with owning a vineyard?

Owner: Well, you soon learn the lifestyle is two-fold. First, there’s the idyllic setting, the joy of producing a great vintage, and the fun of sharing it with your friends and family, and then secondly you realize that you are becoming a farmer of sorts. You get in touch with the seasons and nature and the grapes and you develop a feel for your land. The end product is a result of your attention to the flora and fauna surrounding your home.

HR: If you sell the estate is the business side included such as the branding of the Wish vineyard, social media, trademark, etc.?

Owner: Yes, and it's up for discussion because first of all there are two things: the technical side of it is that Wish has the licenses and licenses have to be approved and there's paperwork that goes with that side of it. But more importantly, I think is the idea that the branding is personal to us, each person that owns a vineyard picks their own brand. If they fall in love with the Wish logo and trademark and social media that's great and I'd be happy to sell that along with it, but I would think that whoever buys the vineyard would want to establish their own brand. It’s more of a buyer’s choice. 

HR: How much and what kinds of wine are produced per year.

Owner: The vineyard has a capacity for about 300 cases a year. Sometimes we reduce something or depending on quality we’ll make a different call. We have Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and we primarily do a Meritage blend. And each year we determine what type of wine will be made depending on what the grapes tell us.

Photo Credit: Luxury Level

HR: Who does the vineyard harvesting and maintenance?

Owner: We have a contracted vineyard crew that maintains the vineyard and harvests the grapes.

HR: So the buyer could continue with the contract?

Owner: Yes, they’ve been there several years they know the run of the vineyard it’s not like whoever buys it is going to have to go out there and start trimming vines.

HR: Does it has an AVA (American Viticultural Area) compliant designation

Owner: yes we are actually members of the Malibu AVA and the Meritage society which allows us to use the Meritage marker on our bottle. And Meritage is a trademark that denotes a Bordeaux blend because we have Bordeaux grapes. 

HR: Are there any tax benefits?

Owner: Well yes, Wish Vineyards is an LLC so the expenses are deductible through the LLC you have to make sales to be able to offset expenses

Photo Credit: Luxury Level

HR: Why do you think someone would want to own a vineyard

Owner: Other than the glamour *laughs*, well in addition to the lifestyle answer above, the wine community is an all-encompassing group of people. We've met winemakers on 6 different continents that share similar and some divergent stories to our own. A vineyard becomes a part of your family, like another child you watch it develop from year to year. As the vineyard has matured, we have also grown as grape growers and winemakers; our wines have taken on characteristics of our own makings and preferences. 

HR: What advice would you give for someone who will own it in the future?

Owner: To embrace the vineyard and have it become a part of who you are. You connect yourself to the vineyard, you feel what it needs, it helps drive decisions you make about your life, your travel, your growth, and knowledge. You expand your circles in ways related to wine, educating yourself about wine lifestyles around the world. I would advise new owners to jump in wholeheartedly and look at the vineyard as an old friend who will be there for the long run. 

For more information on the listing, click here.

For more information on Wish Vineyards, please visit their website here.

The post A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes…. At Wish Vineyards! appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Colorado, USA

Photo Credit: Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty

“In 2019, the Sotheby’s International Realty^® brand continued to achieve solid growth,” said Philip White, President and Chief Executive Officer for Sotheby’s International Realty. “The brand expanded into new countries and territories and entered new markets in the U.S. We continued to make strategic business decisions that benefitted both our independent sales associates and affiliate companies. I am immensely proud of the hard work and dedication from our vast global network, and I look forward to continuing this momentum in 2020.”

Philip White

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sotheby’s International Realty

In March of last year, the company integrated its affiliate network and company-owned brokerage to form one global organization. With 50 new Sotheby's International Realty offices opening their doors, the brand expended to 1,000 locations across 70 countries and territories. More than 23,000 sales associates represent the brand worldwide.

Sarasota, FL, USA

Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Sotheby's International Realty's website, sothebysrealty.com, had more than 34 million visits last year, increasing its traffic 14% from 2018. The mixed reality implementation in the Curate by Sotheby's International Realty ^sm augmented reality app, the first by a real estate brand, allows virtual home staging. Agents and developers have benefitted from this feature.

New Mexico, USA

Photo Credit: Sotheby's International Realty

Current by Sotheby’s International Realty^®, the marketing arm of the company, hosts technology tools like an exclusive, best-in-class app that helps sales associates better their reach to audiences.

Tahoe City, CA, USA

Photo Credit: Sotheby’s International Real Estate

Through mergers and acquisitions in the U.S., Sotheby's International Realty increased its grasp of the Brooklyn, New York; the Greater Boston area, Massachusetts; and Indiana. In Europe, markets like Monaco, France, and Berlin and Binz, Germany also saw the brand's presence increase. New offices were opened in Doha, Qatar and Paphos, Cyprus; Zapallar, Chile; Tauranga, New Zealand; and Port Douglas, Hobart, and Perth, Australia demonstrate the giant brand's still-growing market reach.

Breckenridge, CO, USA

Photo Credit: LIV Sotheby's International Realty

The post Sotheby’s International Realty Achieved Over $114 Billion In 2019 Sales appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.