Justin Long

Long reportedly bought the house at the end of last year for around $1,400,000. So he’s had it less than 9 months and the plans and permits are included. Sounds like he’s just trying to get rid of the place, and will probably not make much of a profit, if any.

Just a few notes about the home. The kitchen has a very industrial look, with lots of stainless steel and glass-front cabinets. Not too bad, and perfectly functional. Certainly there will be plenty of buyers whose tastes run along those lines.

The living room has large windows overlooking the back (and we assume, the pool). It has lots of light and a nice, long couch with ample seating room. The accent wall is a nice touch. Not a big fan of leaning pictures on the buffet, rather than hanging them, but that’s just us.

The outside has a lot of seating and entertaining space. Several seats around the pool area, including multiple lounge chairs, and a covered area that was probably the part listed as an outdoor living room.

And both bathrooms have flat, square sinks and modern hardware. In one, the water comes out through the mirror. We’re sure someone with tastes other than ours will love those features. We’re not big fans of square, shallow sinks. However, the large showers are a plus. The lack of a bath, as far as we can tell, would be a minus for us, as it’s pretty hard to wash a wiggly infant in a shower. The home has many amenities that are perfect for a single person or a couple, though.

It’s a nice home. The yard looks quite private, which is nice if you want to jump into the kidney-shaped pool au naturel.

Admittedly, besides Mr. Long’s Mac commercials and his association with Drew Barrymore, we really haven’t seen too much of his work. There will be ample opportunity to see more, as he has a LOT of projects in the hopper according to IMDB.

The home boasts city views, a guest apartment, 5 patios/balconies and a 2-car garage. It does have a lot going for it with a master suite, 2 bonus rooms, a formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, and a sunken living room with fireplace.

The TV room is interesting, with a dark striped wallpaper that contrasts with beige rugs and cream furniture. Oh, and there’s a zebra print ottoman to go along. Really jumps out at you. It’s almost overwhelming and doesn’t quite fit with the rest of the house. But the structure of the room is nice.

The kitchen is large and has lots of cabinets. It certainly looks like those upper cabinets are pretty low, limiting the space between cabinet and countertop. But it definitely has a lot of storage - and at least they don’t look terribly outdated. Is that fridge built in? That’s certainly something you don’t see too often. And there’s a formal dining room with plenty of room for what looks like an 8-person table. Notice the window detail in the dining room. It would be even nicer if that theme was repeated throughout the entire house instead of just here and there.

We love the detail on the stairs up from the sunken living room and also up to the top floor. It’s the kind of detail you don’t see on newer homes, and it’s too bad. It adds such interest and character to a place. See that little sitting area at the top landing? Perfect book nook. Additionally, the exposed beam in the family and living rooms is nice, but I actually prefer all or nothing when it comes to the beams.

The home does feature some nice (but small) gardens, including a cute little bamboo fountain. It is definitely secluded though, with walls all around, gates at the front, and tall trees surrounding the property.

The living room features beamed vaulted ceilings with a nice fireplace at the end. The room reminds us a bit of a country church we knew growing up. Maybe a nice rug (a bit away from the fire, of course) could warm it up and give it a bit more definition? The bamboo floors are nice - you know how we love hardwood.

The kitchen is small, with white cabinets and walls throughout. The breakfast nook has a small table for two tucked under the window. We would knock out that center bar with the stovetop and expand the kitchen into the rest of the space, especially since there’s already a big dining room. However, someone who has been in the kitchen told us that it is quite lovely and the perfect size for the home.

The master bedroom also has a vaulted ceiling. And here, it works much better. The floor to ceiling windows let in a lot of light. And the doors open straight onto the patio. The room could do without that blinding white, though. The walls, the curtains, the couch, the bedspread. It’s a bit too much white for our tastes (our dislike of all white is well-documented). A nice throw over the bed would add just a splash of color. The other bedrooms seem to be of a decent size. One of the rooms has been used as a workout area.

We love the abundance of bookshelves, but think it’s a bit odd to have them in the dining room. That may just be us, but it seems like the room can’t decide if it’s a library or a place to eat. It also might be the best (or only) place to showcase the dramatic shelves, but it’s just not where we’d personally put them.

Overall it’s not a bad sort of house. We do like the spiral staircase, although personally we’d have to wait to navigate it after coffee. (Fortunately for that, the master suite is on the ground floor.)

It’s on a tiny lot, though, just 1/10 of an acre according to Mr. Big Time.

The floor plan of Portman’s 2 (or 3) bedroom, 3 bath abode shows a balcony off of the great room, a dining room that can double as another bedroom, and two walk-in closets in the master bedroom. Looking at the pictures you’ll see a ton of windows, giving spectacular city views. The entire place looks bright and airy. We just love the dark wood floors. The kitchen could be a little bigger, but it opens up into the 28′ x 22′ great room, giving the appearance of much more space than a mere 9′ x 12′ (approx.).

The building features 24-hour concierge, a fitness center, professional screening room, and a 50′ infinity-edge lap pool, according to listing information. The all-glass residence was designed by Richard Meier.

Portman is probably best known for playing Queen Amidala in the “new” Star Wars episodes (yes, they will always be the new Star Wars to us). But her best role is still as Mathilda in The Professional. Amazing performance. She did quite well in V is for Vendetta also.

Barron’s reported recently that:

Signs of cracks in Manhattan’s property market could mean the rest of the country is on the road to recovery, since New York tends to feel the effects of a slowing economy later than the nation does. One segment still in the stratosphere: luxury condos and co-ops in exclusive buildings.

Barron’s

Although some of the prices advertised recently seem a little unrealistic. A venture capitalist recently advertised his Tony 15 Central Park West apartment for $60 million more than he paid for it a month previously. I have been known to get it wrong on occasion though.

The Turkish Daily News, always a major source of information for those in the know, reports that “Apartment demand weakens in NYC.”

Manhattan apartments costing $1 million or less saw weaker demand as cutbacks by Wall Street firms meant few shoppers and an increase in the number of dwellings for sale.

Turkish Daily News

Which is good news for some and bad news for others of course. A recent press release by Bond New York announces the launch of a Luxury Boutique Condominium development in Greenpoint, Brooklyn states:

New York City apartment’s largest real estate agency launches sales for Greenpoint’s Newest Luxury Boutique Condominium -185 India Street - a six-story, elevator building developed by NYBridge and projected to be completed late spring 2008.

Bond New York Property Marketing Group, specializing in New York City apartments rentals and sales, is pleased to announce that sales have launched for 185 India Street, the newest boutique condominium in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Bond New York City Apartments

Developed by NYBridge, 185 India Street will feature eight one- and two-bedroom floor-through residences and a two bedroom duplex penthouse, each with large private balconies and/or roof decks. Many of the units offer magnificent Manhattan skyline views and are priced from $379,000 to $999,000. The six-story elevator building is projected to be completed late spring 2008.

Kitchens will feature Bosch appliances, granite countertops, shaker style wood grain cabinets, wood floors throughout, oversized double glazed windows, and stainless steel appliances. The elegant marbled bathrooms boast elevated Jacuzzi tubs and sleek wood vanities with modern glass sinks.

The two-bedroom duplex penthouse features double exposures and 17-foot ceilings. This incredible living space has three amazing outdoor spaces including a 500-square-foot private multi-level roof deck. A 270-square-foot private terrace, with a hot tub, is accessible from the master bedroom with a spiral staircase leading to a wonderful dressing and home office area.

185 India Street brings a unique intimate residential experience into Greenpoint’s vibrant historic area, one of the most desired residential destinations in Northern Brooklyn. Full of fantastic restaurants, cafes and wonderful shops, this classic condominium will provide the best of both worlds, big city living combined with small town charm.

For further information, please contact David Kazemi or visit www.bondnewyork.com.

Bond New York is the largest independently owned, fastest growing, real estate agency in New York City. Bond New York is a full-service, team-oriented, high-energy brokerage firm specializing in New York City Apartments sales and rentals with five offices city-wide and a staff of over 300 licensed New York City real estate agents.

Despite rising median prices, estimates recently are that most sub-million dollar properties in both Manhattan and Brooklyn, are selling for noticeably less than the original asking prices. A bargain in the offing perhaps?

Press release:

Limoncito in Punta Leona, Costa Rica Is at Home With Nature Featuring Spectacular Scenery, Exotic Wildlife and Pristine Beaches

Adjacent to the Only Four-Star (highest rank) Blue-Flag Rated Beach in Costa Rica, Butterfly Farm, and Canopy Zip-Line Tours, Resort Places an Emphasis on Environmental Preservation

Punta Leona, Costa Rica (May, 2008)-Limoncito, a new luxury 58-room condo-hotel, is set to establish a serene retreat in the middle of some of Costa Rica’s most spectacular natural attractions. The new resort will combine the uniqueness of a 30-year-old beach club infused with modern day luxuries built with environmental preservation in mind. More photos after the jump.

An Established Resort Community
Located 90 minutes from San Jose, Limoncito will be ensconced within the established, gated community of Punta Leona. During the past three decades, Punta Leona has served as a second-home escape and private beach club for Costa Ricans (Ticos) and international residents alike, creating a dynamic international resort community amid lush jungle and beach surroundings.
The resort community has three Bandera Azul (Blue Flag-rated) beaches, one of which boasts the only Four-Star designation in the country. Protected by the Nicoya Gulf, turquoise waters stay warm year-round, creating the finest swimming and snorkeling beaches in Costa Rica. Blanca Beach, home to a resident turtle family, and Mantas Beach have life guards year-round.

The Vision for Limoncito
The authenticity, appeal and activities of Punta Leona serve as the foundation for Limoncito, the new condo-hotel offering. Situated above the pristine shoreline of Limoncito Beach, the development will offer buyers a secure yet genuine Costa Rican experience while delivering the amenities and services they have come to expect from high-end North American resorts.
The condo-hotel will honor the natural landscape through low-density building on the 22-hectare site, with just six buildings tucked into a hillside that provides a natural separation and privacy. Dramatic ocean views and lush forest surroundings will dominate the site, which will have direct access to picturesque Playa Limoncito’s private beach cove via secluded trails. On these trails, guests and owners will encounter jungle “ranchos” placed along viewpoints on the trail for meditation, morning coffee and yoga.
Ranging in price from $250,000 - 850,000, the property’s architecture and design captures the essence of Costa Rica’s diverse environment. The 850+ square foot one-bedroom, and expansive 1250+ square feet two-bedroom suites will feature tropical interiors with appointments and conveniences typically found at luxury resorts.
Limoncito owners will have access to a wide variety of on-site amenities such as multiple swimming pools, a natural waterfall , Jacuzzis, hammocks, and outdoor decks & terraces. The owner’s clubhouse will serve as a community gathering spot offering special events, movie nights, children’s area, fitness facilities and Barbecue areas.

Punta Leona’s Activities Bring Visitors Close to Nature
Punta Leona’s diverse activities enable visitors to be up close and personal with nature without ever leaving the resort. Guests will find an extensive network of jungle hiking and mountain biking trails, a resident naturalist expert and guide, a zip line tour of the jungle canopy and butterfly farm, among the many offerings.
Additional activities and amenities include multiple pools, two restaurants and snack bar, internet café, volleyball courts, lighted tennis courts, lighted soccer field and mini-golf. And within close proximity to Punta Leona are championship golf and a world-class marina at Los Suenos, sport-fishing charters, surfing, and neighboring towns’ shopping dining and nightlife.

An Eco-Minded Focus
Because nature gives so much value to the community, Punta Leona’s developers and residents are dedicated to giving back to nature. Sustainable building practices, a wetland management plan and onsite recycling program have all been implemented to minimize environmental impact.
Additionally, community-based initiatives including a reforestation program that has planted more than 30,000 trees, and an environment education program at nearby schools, foster opportunities for member residents to actively participate in caring for the surrounding ecosystem.
However, the most distinctive examples of environmental dedication is the success of Punta Leona’s Scarlet Macaw Nesting program. Ten years ago, when the local macaw population began to decline at an alarming rate, Punta Leona participated in building artificial nests in a protected area adjacent to the community. Since then the local Macaw population has doubled, and now is intermingling and breeding with flocks outside of the area.

For more information about Limoncito visit - www.limoncitolife.com.

Millionaire by 30 is subtitled The Quickest Path to Early Financial Independence and shows in detail how one can become a millionaire by entering the third decade of his or her life, in other words the thirty.

In the book description of Millionaire by Thirty the authors show the way how the younger generation, 100 million in USA between the ages of 16-30 can move from 401(K) and invest in real estate, stocks, budgeting more effectively, managing their finances better in order to become a millionaire by 30.

Most people know that there are 70 million Baby Boomers in America today….but what is less known is that there are approximately 100 million people in America between the ages of 16 and 30. This generation has just entered, or will soon be entering the work force. And they have no idea how to invest, save, or handle their money.

Young people today come out of school having had little or no formal education on the basics of money management. Many have large debts from student loans looming over their heads. And many feel confused and powerless when their pricey educations don’t translate into high paying jobs. They feel that their $30,000-$40,000 salary is too meager to bother with investing, and they constantly fear that there will be “too much month left at the end of their money.”

Douglas R. Andrew has shown the parents of this generation a different pathway to financial freedom. Now Doug and his sons, Emron and Aaron - both of whom are in their mid-20s - show the under-30 crowd how they can break from traditional 401k investment plans and instead can find a better way by investing in real estate, budgeting effectively, avoiding unnecessary taxes and using life insurance to create tax-free income.

With the principles outlined in Millionaire by Thirty, recent graduates will be earning enough interest on their savings to meet their basic living expenses by the time they’re 30. And by the time they’re 35, their investments will be earning more money than they are, guaranteeing them a happy, wealthy future.

The Author of Millionair by Thirty
Douglas R. Andrew is the owner and president of Paramount Financial Services, Inc., a comprehensive personal and business financial planning firm. His sons, Emron and Aaron Andrew, have clients nationwide whom they advise for asset optimization, equity management, and wealth empowerment. Starting with annual incomes of $30,000 at the age of 22, they have used the strategies outlined in Millionaire by Thirty to each accumulate assets totaling over $1.5 million at the ages of 26 and 27.

In another book titlted A Million Bucks by 30 How to Overcome a Crap Job, Stingy Parents, and a Useless Degree to Become a Millionaire Before (or After) Turning Thirty

From Publishers Weekly on A Million Bucks by 30

Entertaining and informative, this book by first time author (and reality TV semi-regular) Corey sheds light on the plans and processes that led him to achieve his goal of amassing a million dollars by his third decade. In a winning narrative, Corey leads readers through his post-collegiate career as the cheapest of cheapskates, starting each chapter with a cute but revealing paragraph letting readers know all that he had yet to grasp in pursuit of money-making and -saving strategies. Though very few readers will be able to follow Corey’s same path to riches (he doesn’t expect them to), bulleted tips and sidebars (”Extreme Cheapskate Strategy: Buy one pair of multipurpose shoes a year. Don’t buy any others”) give readers solid advice as well as an appreciation for Corey’s discipline. Throughout, the tone is conversational, humorous and occasionally glib; the under-30 crowd (for whom the current American economy can be especially unkind) will find Corey’s advice welcome and his story encouraging.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Book Description of A Million Bucks by 30
At twenty-two, Alan Corey left his mom’s basement in Atlanta and moved to New York City with one goal in mind: to become a millionaire by the time he was thirty. His parents and friends laughed, but six years later they were all celebrating his prosperous accomplishment-at a bar Corey owned in one of Brooklyn’s hippest neighborhoods.

No, Corey didn’t climb the corporate ladder to build his fortune. In fact, he worked the same entry-level 9-to-5 job for six years straight. But by pinching his pennies and making sound investments, he watched a pittance blossom into a seven-digit bank account. In A Million Bucks by 30, Corey recounts his rags-to-riches journey and shares his secrets to success.

WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THIS BOOK UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED TO BECOME FILTHY RICH.

“What a steal . . . For any entrepreneur the advice in these pages is worth more than a million bucks.”
-Barbara Corcoran, founder, The Corcoran Group

“This is the best personal finance book I’ve ever read. Part self-help, part brass-tacks money guide; Corey’s confessional tales of making it to the million dollar mark are as hilarious as they are helpful.”
-John Reynolds, writer, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

The one-day special sale of premium residences within The Lakes, The Views, Downtown Burj Dubai and Dubai Marina will be on a first come, first serve basis with several financial institutions offering easy home finance options.

The portfolio of luxury homes for sale includes villas, town houses and apartments that are set apart by their location, architectural elegance and easy access to amenities which includes the Deema townhouses with overlooking terraces in The Lakes; Tanaro apartments offering spectacular golf course views at The Views community; a selection of high-quality apartments within Downtown Burj Dubai; and a range of waterfront apartments at Dubai Marina.

Mr Saif Al Mansoori, Sales Director, Emaar Properties, said: “Emaar’s latest residential offerings appeal to a discerning clientele with a preference for world-class homes in established communities in Dubai. The Views, The Lakes, Downtown Burj Dubai and Dubai Marina offer a rich community life and access to varied lifestyle amenities.”

He added: “These four projects are also some of the most preferred in Dubai for homes, given their central location, easy accessibility to and from Dubai’s business centre and its entertainment hub. All four communities offer amenities such as community centers, retail outlets and health & fitness facilities that meet the lifestyle needs of residents.”

The Lakes and The Views are part of Emirates Living, Emaar’s cluster of established communities. The Deema townhouses in The Lakes community are set amidst placid lakes and are in easy access of two world-class golf courses. The natural splendor of tranquil parks and waterways add to the quality of living. The Views, as the name indicates, offers spectacular views of the adjacent golf course. Tanaro is an in-demand residential tower that offers residents easy access to the Emaar Business Park commercial building cluster.

Downtown Burj Dubai, the flagship mega-project of Emaar Properties, anchors Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building and The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations, among other attractions. Customers can choose from a range of apartments located in elegantly designed residential projects, with several of the homes opening to views of Burj Dubai.

Dubai Marina is one of the first and largest waterfront projects in the region, and offers Riviera-styled living against the backdrop of Marina and the 11 km long boardwalk with a rich spread of retail outlets and restaurants. Emaar’s residential projects in Dubai Marina build on the waterfront location and offer residents a rich array of amenities.

Potential customers can visit Downtown Living Sales Centre and Abu Dhabi Sales Centre on May 10 from 9am to 6pm. They can also call toll-free 800-EMAAR or 02-6429325 (Abu Dhabi Sales Centre) or log on to www.emaar.com for more details.

Ravenspur Investments Inc. today unveiled plans for Palmetto Bay Resort at Maya Beach, a secluded tropical hideaway in Southern Belize situated on 16-miles of white sand beaches and complemented by stunning scenery of the Maya Mountains. Palmetto Bay will introduce unprecedented luxury beachfront real estate and Four Star amenities to the Placencia Peninsula of Southern Belize, and will be the first development in the Caribbean designed ‘green’ from inception.
The first phase of the gated resort, which is currently under construction, will be comprised of 36 whole ownership, luxury beachfront condominiums ranging from approximately 1,100 to 4,500 square feet, each with unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea and extensive outdoor living space. Prices will start in the high $200,000s USD. The international sales and marketing campaign for Palmetto Bay Resort commences today.
The elegantly designed turnkey one- two- and three-bedroom residences are spread through two low-rise buildings. Interiors are inspired by the rich Caribbean heritage while the resort’s outdoors encapsulates the area’s natural beauty, including a lush rainforest and exotic flora. Designer Julieanne Dobson-renown work on Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn- will create the interiors and intimate outdoor settings with use of the finest natural materials, including warm woods and natural stone, vibrant contemporary textiles, and niche lit Mayan and African inspired art.
Ownership at Palmetto Bay Resort will include world-class amenities such as fitness facilities, conference rooms with wireless internet; 24-hour reception and security; fully equipped luxury kitchens with gourmet utensils and stainless steel appliances; balcony barbecues; and lush, mature landscaping with use of indigenous fruit trees and plants.

Lure of the Sea
The Caribbean Sea’s influence will be apparent from nearly every aspect of Palmetto Bay Resort. Upon arrival owners will encounter a meandering stream that wanders through the lobby, under arches and deposits into a spectacular 300-foot oceanfront infinity pool. Once owners are at the water’s edge, a pristine 400′ private beach, beach boardwalk, and private dock with large palapa will further articulate the ocean environment.

Going Green
Palmetto Bay will break new ground offering sustainable technologies and systems to reduce ecological impact. As the first resort development in the Belize to be designed ‘green’ from the ground up, the resort has integrated leading edge geothermal, solar, and water filtration technologies, which alone is estimated to conserve 1,000 gallons of water per day at full occupancy - beneficial to both the environment and reducing ongoing operational costs for owners.

Lure of Belize’s Pristine Environment
Belize’s natural environment boasts a diverse array of features including lush, tropical forests abundant with glistening waterfalls, exotic wildlife, pine-covered mountains, mangrove swamps, lagoons, unspoiled beaches, pristine marine environments, and the Maya Great Barrier Reef.
Eco-travel and sports adventure opportunities abound, including fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, swimming, trekking, and caving. Archaeological Parks, Marine Reserves and National Parks, including the world’s only Jaguar Preserve, clean, clear water from the mountains, very little industry, and a low population density with less than five persons per square mile of land make this an ideal retreat for anyone wishing to escape the hectic pace of city life.

Caribbean Culture
The Central American country of Belize is a British Commonwealth where the local population speaks fluent English and the area’s rich culture heritage appeals to all ages. Visitors commonly enjoy two leading indigenous musical forms (Punta and Brukdown), and experience a vibrant developing visual art and film culture. Awe-inspiring archaeological sites and museums offer a chance to explore the custom of early Mayan civilizations. Traditional Mayan, Garifuna, Mesta and Creole festivals provide another chance to experience the area’s colorful heritage.

Easy Access
Palmetto Bay Resort is just a short flight from the southern United States with major airlines offering several per day to Belize City: Continental from Houston; American from Miami; US Airways from Charlotte; Skyservice from Toronto; and Delta from Atlanta. Complimentary transportation (to and from Placencia and to the local airport) will round out services that put owners at ease.
Real estate ownership in Belize is without restriction, with foreign buyers taking full title and enjoying the same rights as Belizeans. For more information about opportunities at Palmetto Bay Resort visit:

Palmetto Bay Resort

News from the Gulf

Abu Dhabi- The Abu Dhabi Investment House yesterday announced the launch of the $7 billion “Style City.”

Style City intends to attract luxury international brand names from the worlds of fashion design, jewellery, furniture and luxury living. The first of its kind, Style City, will be a mixed-use development, comprising residential and retail components while focusing on fashion and style. It will feature a grand fashion district comprising premium and luxury brands in the fashion, jewellery and interior design fields; an educational district comprising institutions as well as museums and exhibition centers, and a residential and leisure district with townhouses, studios, luxury villas, cafes, restaurants and renowned boutique hotels and spas.

The Style City concept will be implemented in not only  Abu Dhabi, but also Qatar, Morocco, Tunisia and India as part of agreements signed yesterday with major developers in those countries.

Managing director Rashad Janahi, signed a memorandum of understanding with Dr Hani Shammah, CEO of Emirates International Properties (EIP), the real estate arm of Emirates International Investment to create “Porta Moda,” Abu Dhabi.

"There are many talented young designers in the region who are traditionally drawn to cities such as London, Paris, New York and Milan to develop their skills. We want to help provide them environments where they can nurture their chosen profession in the world of style, design and fashion but be given the chance to stay close to the markets and consumers they serve," said Janahi.

The implementation of the concept is supported through strategic partnerships and memorandums of understanding with major institutions which will hopefully help establish Porta Moda, Style City’s commercial brand name, in select countries.

The Abu Dhabi Investment House also signed memorandums with Peter Pana-yiotou, acting chief executive officer of Gulf Finance House to establish Porta Moda in several North African developments that are under way in Morocco (the Royal Ranches, Marrakech) and in Tunisia.

Dedicated locations in these developments will feature Porta Moda to serve the surrounding communities.

Both Qatar Entertainment City and India Entertainment City have signed MoUs to develop Porta Moda Qatar and Porta Moda India respectively. Financing will be done through a Style City Fund.
 

Abu Dhabi Investment House