Real Estate Veteran Joins Proxio

by Mark Knowles on September 16, 2010

Proxio Inc., creators of the industry’s first and largest global network for real estate professionals, ProxioPro™, today announced that Larry Knapp, former president of residential brokerages Alain Pinel Realtors and Coldwell Banker Northern California, will join the company as Executive Vice President.

In addition to running two of the largest US residential brokerage firms, Knapp has a deep and well-rounded background in organized real estate. He is on the Board of Directors of the California Association of Realtors, and served for seven years on the board of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), where he was appointed to NAR’s Executive Committee in 2008 and 2009. Knapp is also a board member and past chairman of MLSListings, Inc., one of the largest US Multiple Listing Services, and is a past president of the Sacramento Association of Realtors.

“Larry brings to Proxio an unprecedented level of experience and knowledge about the residential brokerage industry,” says Janet Case, CEO and co-founder of Proxio. “Proxio’s mission is to answer the industry’s need for increased professional networking as well as multicultural and international marketing. We are thrilled to have a person of Larry’s caliber and experience to help Proxio introduce the brokerage community to our unique and global services.”

Launched in 2008, ProxioPro now has over 1.4 million registered agents in 95 countries and operates in 19 languages. Proxio’s award-winning online services enable real estate professionals to easily reach beyond their local markets to share listings and create trusted networks with agents located in other markets and countries.

Proxio partners with MLSs, brokerages and real estate organizations to extend their existing services, translate listings for local multicultural buyers, and give agents additional tools to easily find, connect and market to agents from other regions, including internationally.

“I am very excited about joining Proxio, the first truly global network for real estate professionals,” says Knapp. “Beyond being an agent referral network, Proxio is an international MLS, where agents can promote their listings to other real estate professionals all over the world in multiple languages. Having a service that promotes real estate on a global level not only helps real estate professionals do more business, but it enables them to better serve their clients.”

Realtors can subscribe to ProxioPro at http://www.proxiopro.com. To find out more about how Proxio can help expand markets for your real estate organization, visit www.proxio.com.

Tagged as: alain pinel realtors, brokerage community, brokerage industry, california association of realtors, multiple listing services, national association of realtors

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NEW OWNERS OFFER HOUSTONIANS LUXURY LIVING BACKED BY FINANCIAL CREDABILITY

by Mark Knowles on September 15, 2010

ST Residential, a newly formed public-private partnership between the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC) and a hand-picked private equity group including Starwood Capital Group, recently assumed ownership of Mosaic, formerly Montage apartment and Mosaic condominium towers.

Changes have already begun at Mosaic; with the most noticeable being the re-branding of what was formerly known as the Montage apartment tower. ST Residential will use only the Mosaic name for the two-building residential property with homes for both renters and buyers. The 29-story towers have a total of 790 residential units with the added on-site convenience of 24 hour valet and maintenance services, a parking garage, social lounge and one of the largest private wellness centers in Houston.

ST Residential serves as the managing member of the public-private partnership, providing a mix of industry experience and resources while offering the highest standards of design aesthetic and quality. The group’s mission to build a lifestyle brand while providing an improved quality of life for all residents is exhibited in properties in some of the most desirable locations across the country including Houston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami and Las Vegas.

“Current and potential homeowners and tenants can take great comfort in the financial stability of ST Residential,” said Jonathan Pertchik, chief operating officer, ST Residential. “At Mosaic, we are investing significant capital to improve the living experience of all residents that is consistent with what people have come to associate with ST Residential. Current plans include smart building capabilities, which will allow residents to make arrangements such as scheduling dry cleaning pick up and package delivery electronically.

Apartments in the Mosaic south tower located at 5927 Almeda start at $1,200 a month for one-bedroom and $2,100 a month for two-bedrooms. The Mosaic north tower at 5925 Almeda has condos for sale from the $160,000s to 1.1 million.

“ST Residential can offer prospective buyers two characteristics that have been lacking during the current economic recession – investment integrity and dependability. This eliminates the risk often associated with condominium ownership in today’s environment, ensuring that our buyers feel confident in their investment,” said Pertchik. “At the same time, we offer the same luxury amenities and services to our renters.”

Led by Starwood Capital Group founder Barry Sternlicht, ST Residential is influenced by his keen eye for brand building and design, as is evident in the growth of Starwood Hotel Resorts into the leading hotel company in the U.S. hospitality sector. ST Residential is managed by Wade Hundley, CEO. Hundley has more than 20 years of experience in various aspects of the real estate and hospitality business, ranging from investment banking at Merrill Lynch, real estate private equity investment and developing from inception such resorts as L’Auberge du lac in Lake Charles, LA and Lumier Place and River City in St. Louis, MO.

Partners include Starwood Capital, a leading real estate focused private equity firm best known for properties like W Hotels and St. Regis; TPG Capital with selected investments such as Neiman Marcus and Harrah’s; the WLR LeFrak & Wilbur Ross, with more than 100 years of residential and commercial development experience and currently owns and manages more than 20,000 rental apartments, 10 million square feet of office and retail space and two hotels; and Perry Capital, a company that thrives in complex areas where other investors will not and cannot compete and has a history of deploying over $4 billion into private investments that include FTD, Exclusive Resorts, Allegheny Energy, Manchester United and Ovation TV.

ST Residential has appointed The Marketing Directors, LLC, to exclusively handle all sales and marketing for Mosaic. The firm represents real estate clients and developers throughout Atlanta; Houston; Boca Raton, Orlando, Tampa, St Petersburg and West Palm Beach, Florida; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Huntsville, Alabama; and Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee

Please visit mosaichouston.com for information on Mosaic Hermann Park Residences and for more information about ST Residential, please visit stresidential.com

Tagged as: apartment tower, condominium towers, federal deposit insurance, miami and las vegas, private equity group, public private partnership

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Ascend Collection Inks Agreement with Boutique Hotel In Anguilla, British West Indies

by Mark Knowles on September 7, 2010

Ascend Collection from Choice Hotels International, Inc builds its Caribbean presence with the announcement today of a new member hotel on the exclusive island of Anguilla.

The Royale Caribbean Resort & Spa, currently under construction, is a high-end boutique hotel in Little Harbor on the island’s southern coast, slated to open in January 2011 as a member of Ascend Collection, the upscale network of historic, boutique and unique hotels from Choice Hotels International in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.

“Our Ascend Collection membership program is a perfect fit for upscale independent hotels throughout the Caribbean seeking to gain a competitive advantage while maintaining their individuality,” said Brian Parker, vice president of emerging markets and new businesses development for Choice Hotels. “We’re thrilled to add a property of such stature as the Royale Caribbean Resort & Spa on the prestigious island of Anguilla.”

Royale Caribbean Resort & Spa is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Quincy Gumbs, local developers with successful businesses throughout Anguilla, including the Fairplay Group of Companies, comprised of Fairplay Insurance Agency, Fairplay Jewelry and Perfumes, and Fairplay Food Center.

“Here, we will benefit from Choice Hotels’ immense marketing resources and consultancy services but retain overall management control and style of the hotel,” said Quincy Gumbs, owner of the Royale Caribbean Resort & Spa. “This is very important to us because Royale Caribbean Resort & Spa will emerge not only as a leader in the hospitality industry in Anguilla, but an emerging brand in the Eastern Caribbean.”

The resort’s location is set amidst colorful tropical gardens. Each of the property’s 80 guestrooms will offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the mountains and coastline of neighboring St. Maarten. Among the onsite amenities, plans for Royale Caribbean Resort & Spa boast three restaurants, a 10,000 square-foot spa, stretches of pristine beachfront, a gift shop, lush tropical gardens, tennis courts and a unique Caribbean-inspired conch-shaped pool.

“We’re delighted to welcome the Royale Caribbean Resort & Spa to Ascend Collection and look forward to building our membership program even more in the Caribbean,” says Stacy Ragland, vice president of Ascend Collection for Choice Hotels. “Offering a suite of resources designed to boost revenue and occupancy, Ascend Collection is a fit for savvy owners and operators of independent, upscale hotels. Member properties appeal to travelers looking for hotels like the Royale Caribbean Resort & Spa, offering a true taste of the local culture along with spectacular service and design.”

With 28,000 square feet of meeting space, Royale Caribbean Resort & Spa is set to house one of the Caribbean’s largest convention facilities. For elegant weddings, meetings, conventions and receptions, the resort will offer two banquet rooms, meeting rooms and boardrooms, accommodating up to 1,600 people. Whether seeking activity or relaxation, guests will discover a full gamut of options, from snorkeling, diving, sailing and fishing to dining, sunning, swimming and strolling along glorious white-sand beaches.

Ascend Collection appeals to a growing number of travelers who like to discover independent, high-service properties with rich local character when staying in new destinations. Ascend Collection properties maintain their distinctive style and personality, while also benefiting from Choice Hotels vast resources, including global reservation and distribution systems and a robust online presence on Choicehotels.com (http://www.choicehotels.com). Additionally, their guests can earn and redeem points at Choice brand hotels worldwide through the Choice Privileges rewards program.

About Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,000 hotels, representing more than 490,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 35 other countries and territories. As of June 30, 2010, more than 580 hotels are under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 47,000 rooms, and approximately 100 hotels, representing approximately 8,700 rooms, are under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in 20 other countries and territories. The company’s Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels.

Additional corporate information may be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. Web site, which may be accessed at http://www.choicehotels.com.

Tagged as: anguilla british west indies, british west indies, choice hotels international, choice hotels international inc, onsite amenities, prestigious island

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Multi-million dollar celebrity Australian beach house will sell at Auction

by Mark Knowles on August 24, 2010

sarah-michelle-gellar-buffyThis Gold Coast home, East Coast of Australia, has a good deal of celebrity provenance, including, Emmy award winner Sarah Michelle Geller, who stayed at the home during the filming of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Scooby Doo”. Other “A list” media celebrities have holidayed in the property which forms part of the colourful home atmosphere. This luxury beach house was also used as the set for the mini series “Pacific Drive”.

The property was custom designed and built by award winning Gold Coast architect Malcolm Cummings in 1998 for Artist Christopher Hogan and his Property Developer wife Beres (current owners). An architectural triumph of concrete construction, its elevated position accommodates the hillside, and is a mezzanine level higher at the front than the back, with each side being three storey’s high.

The home, next to “Lores Bonny Lookout” point, has been built to make the best of a relationship between the architectural layout, the surroundings of the ocean, parks and existing landscape; and where art blends with design.

Alex Caraco, CEO, and Tory Hirst, Coldwell Banker GC Property Group, who are marketing the property commented “The extensive entertainment roof top terrace, recently used for a Ralph magazine swimwear shoot, has 360 degree views of the ocean and hinterland. The home is two floors higher than the neighbouring homes and due to new building restrictions homes cannot exceed the crest of the hill, so the outstanding views will never be encumbered

Complementing the homes contemporary design scheme, which includes a central staircase connecting all the levels, is an eclectic, warm mix of Eastern European and Moroccan finishes. The main house has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, studio/office, living, kitchen with counter tops of Brazilian granite, noted for its beautiful tones of whites, golds and yellows. The dining and living areas are tiled in cream Italian marble and there is a downstairs entertaining area which includes another kitchen, dining and living.

Creatively, the master bedroom with en-suite spa bath, is luxuriously finished with Portuguese tiles and teak window shutters from Thailand. This multi-level home also includes a self-contained 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment with study, laundry and has its own entrance, great for guests, nanny or caretaker.buffy slept here

Alex Caraco also said “This luxurious home of approx 55sq’s is without doubt one of the finest resort style homes on the market. Circumstances dictate the property will be sold at Auction before the owners relocate overseas”. The auction will be held on site, 19 Brakes Crescent, Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast on Sunday, 5th September 2010 at 12.00 noon. The number of high quality pieces of luxury real estate going to auction continues to be substantial – and this is all around the world.

Tagged as: Australia luxury property, brazilian granite, buffy the vampire slayer, Celebrity Property, central staircase, christopher hogan, east coast of australia, Luxury Property, luxury property on the Gold Coast, Luxury Real Estate, Market Trends, sarah michelle geller

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Viceroy Luxury Hotel Group Offers Rewards Program

by Mark Knowles on August 23, 2010

Things still seem to be tough in the luxury hospitality market – Viceroy Hotel Group announced today a discount scheme that will save travellers up to 20%  – a new partnership between its acclaimed Viceroy Hotels and Resorts collection and Topguest, a new online members-only service that provides users with reward programs for virtual “check-ins” at hotels, restaurants and lounges. By joining Topguest, members will be awarded 20% off at Viceroy’s leading restaurants, bars, or spas after just five geolocation check-ins at the Viceroy properties in Santa Monica, Miami, Palm Springs, Snowmass, and Anguilla. Topguest users can check in with any major location-based-services (LBS) application, including Foursquare, Twitter, and Gowalla.

luxury hotel1

Viceroy Hotels and Resorts offers some of the newest “it” locations where travelers can “check-in” to their luxury boutique hotels with Topguest to receive rewards points. Guests don’t need to stay overnight at the hotel to qualify for rewards points. Whether dining at Viceroy Miami’s Eos Restaurant or enjoying the popular Cameo Bar at Viceroy Santa Monica, it is simple for individuals to check-in right from their cell phone. After five check-ins, Topguest members will receive the 20% discount reward to be used during their next visit to the spa, restaurant or lounge of any Viceroy Hotel or Resort.

“We’ve seen an increasing number of visitors to our properties checking in on Foursquare, Gowalla, and tweeting about their experiences with us,” said Michael Doneff, Vice President of Marketing for Viceroy Hotel Group. “Partnering with Topguest provides a great way for us to recognize and reward these guests, helping us enhance loyalty with both local and overnight visitors.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with Viceroy, one of the most exquisitely designed hotel collections in the world,” said Geoffrey Lewis, co-founder & CEO of Topguest. “Topguest aims to give users of geolocation applications like Foursquare real value for their check-ins at the hottest spots around the world. We believe this exclusive reward at Viceroy certainly qualifies!”

For more information on Viceroy Hotels and Resorts please visit viceroyhotelsandresorts.com. For more information on how to earn Viceroy Rewards for geolocation check-ins, or to join Topguest, visit www.Topguest.com from a laptop, mobile device, or iPad. Membership to Topguest is free, with no installation or downloading required.

Tagged as: hospitality market, hotel collections, luxury boutique hotel, luxury hotel, spa restaurant, viceroy hotel, viceroy hotels, viceroy santa monica

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Majorca’s most luxurious hotels

by Mark Knowles on August 16, 2010

The opening of the seven star Jumeirah Port Soller resort next year is confirmation of the island’s prestigious image. Spain’s largest island is a lush paradise in the Mediterranean, and has long been a favourite holiday spot for celebrities and nobility. From Frederic Chopin to Winston Churchill, Michael Douglas to Richard Branson, Suzi Quatro and the Spanish royal family… this is certainly a highly esteemed island. With 300 days of sunshine a year and a healthy fusion of green rolling hills, attractive beaches, unspoilt architecture in Palma and quaint villages and town across the island, this is an excellent place to enjoy a lavish lifestyle. Here are our pick of the best luxury hotels on the island.

Hotel Nixe Palace, Palma de Mallorca

Five star Nixe Palace has been a home away from home to the most discerning of guests since the 1950s. Stunning sea views and a private beach, immaculately furnished rooms and excellent restaurant and spa areas for true indulgence.

Hotel Nixe Palace, Hoteles Santos

Hotel Port Adriano Marina Golf & SPA, Calvia

An oasis of calm within perfect distance of Palma, this glamorously styled luxury hotel boast peach coloured rooms and suites and is the perfect choice for budding golfers. Panoramic ocean views can be enjoyed from the two Mediterranean restaurants “La Vela” and “Splendor”.

Port Adriano panorama view

Read’s Hotel & Vespasian Spa , Santa Maria

Tucked away in the mountains, this hotel is famous for its gourmet restaurant which guests from all over Majorca will go out of their way to visit. Perfect for a romantic getaway, the intimate hotel has just 23 rooms which retain a traditional style and an outstanding spa area.

Reads massage

Son Brull Hotel & Spa, Pollenca

A masterpiece has been created from this old monastery: avantegarde muted tones and the most exclusive modern fittings have been drafted in to these ancient walls. This astounding fusion of old an new is completed with a sleek terrace swimming pool with magnificent countryside views.

Son Brull terrace pool

Hotel La Residencia, Deia

For charming views in a traditional Majorcan styled country house, discerning guests will be impressed with this Deia Residence. Suites with private pools and a spa with numerous treatment rooms will suit honeymooners; whilst the famous El Olivio restaurant housed in the old olive press will delight gourmet lovers

La Residencia facade

So until the seven star sensation opens its doors in 2011, these luxurious Majorca hotels should keep you pampered, sunned and very well fed!

Guest post by Holly Maguire (escapio.com). From stunning castles, to rustic vineyards, to chic modern hotels, check out Escapio’s collection of over 4,000 hand selected boutique and luxury hotels, or follow on Twitter.

Tagged as: hotel la residencia, hotel port adriano, luxury hotels, luxury hotels in majorca, majorca hotels, panoramic ocean views, residencia deia, son brull hotel, stunning sea views

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Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Johnny Miller Compete in Charity Skins Exhibition At Harbor Shores

by Mark Knowles on August 10, 2010

Jack Nicklaus, whose accolades as a golf course designer parallel a legendary career that includes a record 18 professional major championships, joined friends and fellow greats Johnny Miller, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson today to celebrate the grand opening of The Golf Club at Harbor Shores, a new 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. The Harbor Shores Champions for Change Golf Challenge featured the foursome competing in an 18-hole scramble skins format with rotating two-man teams.

More than 3,600 spectators witnessed this historic day of golf that was kicked off with a community clinic for all attendees. Prior to the clinic, Whirlpool Corporation CEO Jeff Fettig, announced that the Benton Harbor-based company would donate $1 million in honor of the four players to the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor and The First Tee of Benton Harbor.

“The golf course has been many decades in the making in terms of transforming the industrial base in the community into something very productive,” said Fettig. “I can’t think of a better group of people, the four legends of golf, we had here today to kick it off.”

With introductions and morning ceremonies complete, the four players took to the course for its ceremonial first round in a rotating two-man skins format with partners switching every six holes. Patrons were treated to the two-man team of Nicklaus/Palmer to start off the round, followed by Nicklaus/Watson from holes 7-12 and Nicklaus/Miller to close out the round.

“I thought the golf course was in fantastic condition,” said Nicklaus. “The golf course was quite good and I’m quite proud of it. I’m also proud that I was asked to be a part of this project.”

Although it didn’t count on the scorecard, the highlight of the day came on the No. 10 green when Johnny Miller saw Arnold Palmer’s 100-foot eagle putt fall short of the three-tier ridged green and fall back towards his direction. Miller questioned the makeability of such a putt, which got Nicklaus’ attention. The course designer himself then demonstrated how the putt could be made by sinking the more than 100-foot uphill putt, which broke 15 feet from left to right, in front of more than 2,000 spectators who were surrounding the green.

Harbor Shores Golf Club

Harbor Shores Golf Club

While the focus of the day centered around the revitalization of the community and raising funds for two local charities and no actual money was exchanged, Tom Watson did earn the most honorary skins money ($381,250). His total was followed by Jack Nicklaus ($268,750), Arnold Palmer ($181,250) and Johnny Miller ($168,750).

More than just a golf course, Harbor Shores will serve as a catalyst for ongoing community transformation—economic, environmental and social.  Not only will the non-profit resort community stimulate increased tax revenue, create jobs and generate new consumer spending, it will build human capacity in areas including work-force training, youth development, education, life skills development, real estate investment, housing and homeownership.

Harbor Shores has already restored beauty to a pristine area of Lake Michigan’s waterfront through rehabilitation of local public park space, clean-up of brownfields and preservation of natural wetlands.

All 18 holes of The Golf Club at Harbor Shores are currently open for play. Video footage and photos from today’s event are currently available at www.harborshoreschampions.com.

Tagged as: golf development, golf property, jack nicklaus, jack nicklaus signature golf, jack nicklaus signature golf course, jeff fettig, luxury golf development, nicklaus signature, nicklaus watson, residential golf community, signature golf course

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International Property Market – Back on Track?

by Mark Knowles on August 3, 2010

Increasing Demand for Premium International Property

It has been a nail biting few months for the British people with the general election and the start of a new political phase. Twinned with the World Cup, 2010 has already proved to be a dramatic year. With both of these events behind us (albeit in the voting, scoring manner) and several areas of the UK property market returning to the peak levels of 2006/2007 there has also been a recent uplift in buyer demand within international property market as well as the London property market.

More specifically, it is the second consecutive month there has been a notable step up in the amount of buyers searching for international property. Hamptons International has recorded an increase in the number of enquiries that they have received and feel that there has been a positive attitude change over the second quarter.

This new confidence should have an impact on the international property market as a whole. However there is still the issue of the weak pound and thus should be a priority for the new coalition government to address with pace as it obviously has a significant effect for both British investors and the end users purchasing property overseas. It affects what they can afford and also can breed uncertainty for investors. This will ensure that British buyers and investors will have an equal footing in the international market when it comes to property for rent.

It must be noted that some International projects are progressing very well and newly completed stock is proving popular. This is because by their very essence they offer less risk and more security for buyers. As previously stated, Hamptons International has also seen a rise in prospective buyers for top end stock within the international market. Some of their prestigious projects include beautiful homes in the Western Cape of the Republic of South Africa. These obviously were in high demand during World Cup Fever, with prices starting at around £100,000 for homes in a marina in the False Bay area.

So is the international property market back on track? Well, all the indicators certainly point towards recovery but it depends on the strength of Sterling and how quickly the new government can act. However, the fact that buyers are once again searching for new property, especially at the premium end of the market shows that confidence is returning from the top down.

Tagged as: attitude change, british investors, London property, london property market, luxury homes, Luxury Property, Luxury Real Estate, property for rent, real estate trends, second consecutive month, world cup 2010, world cup fever

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Ten Tips For Staffing A Luxury Estate

by Mark Knowles on August 1, 2010

Tips for Staffing a Luxury Estate

Staffing A Luxury Estate

Staffing A Luxury Estate

Owning a high-end property, although luxurious and rewarding, has its challenges. According to David Cassford, founder of Cassford Management, a luxury estate and hospitality consultancy, effectively staffing your property is the single most important step to running an organized and successful estate.

Whether it is a pied-à-terre in New York City, a luxury estate in Greenwich, waterfront property in Miami or a sprawling ranch in Texas, it takes qualified and experienced household staff to keep these assets running smoothly.

Here are 10 things to look for when staffing a property:

1. Assess the amount of staff you will need.

This will depend on the size of the household and grounds — and the family dynamics. For instance, a working couple with two young children living in a 10,000-square-foot home on three acres may need a house manager, two housekeepers, a nanny, a chef, and a groundskeeper.

2. Source qualified help from a reputable staffing agency.

Look for an agency with a proven track record that is going to work with you and not just overwhelm you with resumes that do not match the criteria you are looking for.

3. Allow an ample amount time to search and secure the right staff.

This can take one to three months to source the right personnel.

4. Run a background check and validate that the candidate has legal working status.

Most reputable agencies will run a background check on candidates prior to an offer of employment. All agencies should be able to verify whether the candidate is legal to work.

5. Hire trained and experienced staff.

Check and test the candidate’s knowledge of their profession; do not rely on the agencies to check the facts on the candidate’s resumes. If you have specialty pieces in your home such as silver, antiques or crystal, then the candidates need to know how to clean and care for them.

6. Housing for live-in staff.

Decide how many staff you need to live in, and the space and privacy needed to accommodate them. (Bunk beds in the attic are not acceptable.)

7. Create an operating staff service budget to support the seamless running of your property.

Budget a minimum of $100,000 upward to $1 million or more to employ and retain household staff. Key factors such as the size of the property, amount of staff required servicing the property and your personal lifestyle all affect the budget.

8. Be by the book.

Have an estate and household operations manual that includes all human resource practices for your property and defined job descriptions and duties.

9. Pay staff 100% on the books.

Do not pay staff under the table – this will come back and bite you.

10. Provide health benefit coverage as an employer best practice.

Preparedness is always your best protection. In the event a staff member has a medical emergency, they are covered.

For more information, visit www.cassfordmanagement.com or email info@cassfordmanagement.com.

Tagged as: hospitality consultancy, household staff, luxury estate, reputable agencies, silver antiques, staff check

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Silicon Valley Real Estate Agent Earns Top Honors in San Jose Mercury News Readers Poll

by Mark Knowles on July 26, 2010

dawn thomasThe San Jose Mercury News Reader’s Choice Awards “Best in Silicon Valley 2010″ named Silicon Valley Real Estate Broker Associate Dawn Thomas with Intero Real Estate Services the Best Real Estate Agent in the newspaper’s ninth annual readers poll. The awards cited that Thomas’ “fierce negotiating skills combined with 15-year background in marketing and sales,” led to the win.

The same awards named Thomas’ blog, www.SiliconValley365.com as the Best Blog in Silicon Valley. Thomas explains it’s, “a place to collect tips on fun events, restaurants, activities and cool places to go for everyone.” There are so many suggestions, “you could try something different every day and never do the same things twice!” Thousands of Mercury News readers participated in the survey. Thomas runs the blog in addition to her website www.SiliconValleyAndBeyond.com.

“I’m honored and humbled to receive both awards. They came as a total surprise,” said Dawn Thomas. “I’m incredibly grateful for the amazing support of Silicon Valley.”

Just prior to her win, Thomas earned the prestigious Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing in recognition of her experience, knowledge and expertise in the luxury home market. The designation is evidence of Thomas’ ability to meet the needs of affluent buyers and sellers.

Thomas has also been recognized by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing for her recent performance in the million-dollar and above luxury home market within Silicon Valley. Real Estate professionals who have earned admittance to the Institute’s Million Dollar Guild not only have specific upper-tier market knowledge, but they also understand the unique needs of affluent buyers and sellers and recognize the importance of being discreet.

“Affluent buyers and sellers can turn to sales professionals who have this designation and be confident that they have special expertise and experience in the luxury home marketplace,” said Institute President Laurie Moore-Moore.

Thomas works with clients both in Silicon Valley real estate and in nationwide home-buying and selling.

Tagged as: dawn thomas, jose mercury news, luxury home market, san jose mercury, san jose mercury news, silicon valley real estate

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Luxury Real Estate News 07/22/10

by Mark Knowles on July 21, 2010

Ups and downs in the luxury real estate markets as usual – no one knows which end is up it seems.

Following the exciting news last month that China’s property prices rose at the second fastest pace on record – 12.4% following a record 12.8% in April,  along with a 70% drop in sales volumes, which makes one wonder as to exactly what is going on -  now comes the shocking news that Shanghai’s average new luxury home prices dropped 13% in July from April. It appears as though the attempts by the Chinese Government Inc to prevent another asset bubble are working/not working/ no one has a clue – depending on whether you are an analyst or a real estate agent.

Foreclosure are starting to rise in Dubai, and one of the major developers, Dubai Holding,requested and got a $555 million credit extension, making one wonder also what is going on in the Dubai property market. “Things in Dubai seem as dire as ever, the crash continues to take its toll with the amount of foreclosures in Dubai still climbing and developers struggling to stay afloat. The latest news fro Dubai concerns Dubai Holdings subsidiary, the Dubai Holding Commercial Operations Group, which has just been granted a two month extension to their revolving credit facility of $555 million.”

The UK market is struggling along, with sales levels at almost record lows, but prices hanging on in there and some London agents claiming big sales to foreign investors. In fact, speaking of China – this seems to be where the government Inc subsidies are headed. Instead of investing in Chinese luxury property, the wealthy recipients of the bailouts are headed off to Hong Kong or London, and according to the People’s Daily, “Chinese investors spent approximately 170 million pounds ($260 million) buying up newly built properties in central London in the 12 month period ending March 2010, driven by a weaker pound and tightened real estate policies at home.” How about that – and according to the Land registry, prices have indeed increased in Kensington as the rest of the country loses value.

London Luxury Property Prices

London Luxury Property Prices

Tagged as: chinese investors, Dubai property, london agents, london luxury property, Luxury Property, luxury property in China, Luxury Real Estate, record lows, revolving credit facility, ups and downs

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HOST RESORT VENUE OF THE 2010 G8 SUMMIT BEING OFFERED FOR SALE

by Mark Knowles on July 12, 2010

Wow – The host resort of the 201 G8 summit for sale? Wonder what the story behind that is? We all know the luxury resort hotel business took a hit in the financial crisis that is all over, never happened and didn’t affect many people anyway, but – weird to see this one as you have to assume the various Government Incs that caused the non-existent financial crisis in order to turn us all into debt slaves forever would have paid their bill. Or did they?………..

This is the CBRE press release:

CBRE Hotels (“CBRE”), announced today that it has been appointed Exclusive Advisor in the sale of Deerhurst Resort, just north of Toronto. A 100% freehold interest in the 400-room upscale resort is being offered on behalf of 1279342 Ontario Limited, Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC and MassMutual Financial Group.

“This historic landmark property is the epitome of a classic Muskoka Resort and has been maintained to a very high standard,” said Gary Lloyd, Vice President, Hotel Group, Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC. The asset was purchased in the late 1990s and more than $60M Cdn has been reinvested into this investment property since then. “This offering will have international appeal. It represents a unique opportunity to own a highly recognizable asset, in a beautiful part of the country,” said Bill Stone, Executive Vice President, CBRE Hotels.

“The market is ripe for this type of product and given the stability and relative strength of our economy and real estate industry, there has never been a better time to invest in Canada,” he added. Deerhurst Resort first opened with a lodge and two cabins in 1896. Over the years, it has grown to become an iconic golf and conference facility.

In part due to the anticipated worldwide transaction appeal and increase in demand for high quality, well located properties, with consistent historical operating results and value creation potential; Ownership has decided to continue with their plans for a disposition of the Property as Lloyd remarks: “With growing transaction momentum in North America, we feel the Asset will attract considerable interest from worldwide equity sources. The Resort offers both current income and numerous value add opportunities.”

The resort offers 400 guest rooms; 40,000 SF of meeting and exhibition space; seven food and beverage options; two 18-hole golf courses, two driving ranges and a golf school; a full service spa and salon; and features an active 3,000-foot airstrip. According to Stone, “This offering presents investors with a rare opportunity to acquire a key Canadian Resort with a premier reputation, exceptional golf facilities, and enormous growth potential.”

Deerhurst Pavilion entrance

Tagged as: cornerstone real estate, gary lloyd, Investment property, landmark property, Luxury Property, Luxury Real Estate, Luxury Real Estate Marketing, luxury resort hotel, massmutual financial group, muskoka resort

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Luxury Home in Hawaii For Auction

by Mark Knowles on July 6, 2010

Concierge Auctions announces another astounding Hawaiian property auction. On August 23, the firm will conduct a live, on-site auction of Pueo Point, a premier ocean bluff residence and adjacent lot located on the North Shore of Kauai, a destination of choice for luxury vacationers and A-list celebrities.

The property is being sold in two bidding segments, one for the main residence, perfectly situated on 1.32 acres, and one for the adjacent 1.67-acre lot. These parcels combined have a 2/3 undivided interest in an additional four acres of perfectly manicured common area. Previously offered for $9.8 million, the suggested opening bid for this luxury residence in Hawaii is $3.8 million. Never previously listed and appraised for $3.7 million, the suggested opening bid for the lot is $1.5 million.

Perfectly situated on prestigious Anini Vista Drive, Pueo Point exudes the very essence of Kauai – secluded and casual living amidst unsurpassed tropical surroundings.

A selection of stunning photos to show this spectacular property. And yes – you read the prices correctly. Originally almost ten million dollars and an opening bid being asked of less than four. If any body doubts the financial crisis is still in full swing – that should give you an idea. A great deal of investment properties are becoming considerably less expensive thanks to lack of available financing, and it will be interesting to see where this one sells at. Although – not strictly an investment property, a 60% reduction in price is quite a sum.

Pueo_Point_Interior_03

Pueo_Point_Interior_08

Pueo_Point_Lifestyle_19

Tagged as: hawaiian property, luxury residence, ocean bluff, property auction, spectacular property, tropical surroundings

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Luxury Real Estate News 07/02/10

by Mark Knowles on July 1, 2010

All sorts of interesting news going on at the moment, with the gap between the haves and the have-nots seeming to increase all the time.

More bad news from the banking sector in Europe means that despite massive injections of capital from all the central banks in question, many European banks are still hiding bad debts and on life support according to the Bank of International Settlements. Accordingly, property investment in France – along with most European countries is difficult thanks to lack of available financing and the fact that the banks are in  the process of devaluing real estate across the board.

Still – compared to the disaster unfolding in Spain – which will make the Greek debt situation look like an unpaid bar tab, France is in relatively good shape, excepting the massive – and we do mean massive – exposure BNP Paribais has in the Spanish property market. No one in the banking sector is prepared to admit it just yet, but the 60 billion Euros already dumped into Spain (with nary a mention in the press) has now been transformed in to luxury yachts for the select few senior bank managers – and it is time to see how much needs pumping in this time. It is any body’s guess how much property the banks are sitting on, but another 300 billion seems reasonable. The most exposed seem to be, Santander, BNP Paribas, UniCredit and Deutsche Bank. Oh well – it is only money and I am sure creating another 300 billion Euros out of thin air will not have an effect on the value of my pension plan and unemployment in Spain is only a measly 20% – so nothing to worry about there.

Bloomberg Business Week thinks “London Luxury-Home Prices Driven Higher by Overseas Purchasers“, which is sort of true but a massive misrepresentation because sales volumes are a dismal levels – almost record lows. Still – that doesn’t stop Bloomberg from claiming that “Luxury-home prices in central London are increasing in value twice as fast as the U.K. market as a whole” – which is funny seeing as average prices decreased last month. Still – why let the facts get in the way of a good bubble mongering headline? Who says journalism needs to be accurate in any case? Bloomberg bubble mongering.

Walt Disney is moving into the luxury real estate business now and are apparently building a collection of luxury homes ranging in price from $1.5 million to as much as $8 million. “The homes will be in Orlando, within the 40 square miles of Disney’s thriving theme parks. The developments will be fashioned as resort communities with special ties to Disney World parks — private VIP tours of the parks, plus holiday home decorating, grocery delivery from an on-call concierge service, a fitness facility and spa”, according to housingwatch.

The community will be called the “Golden Oak Residential Resort Community,” and will be situated between Epcot and Disney World. I shudder to think, but will be interested to see how this one unfolds.

Tagged as: bank of international settlements, bnp paribas, european banks, london luxury home prices, Luxury Real Estate, luxury yachts, overseas purchasers, property investment in fnace, record lows, unemployment in spain

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Century 21 Releases iPhone App

by Mark Knowles on June 28, 2010

It appears as though many of the major real estate brokerages have been working on iPhone real estate apps, and the latest release comes from one of the big boys – Century 21.

The CENTURY 21® iPhone app automatically provides mobile users with property listings, open house information and CENTURY 21 office locations. It also provides a quick overview of the communities associated with each listing, including school details, community images and statistics.

Consumers can either type in a specific city, town, state and zip code or press the geolocation button to allow the CENTURY 21 app to automatically detect the search area. Home buyers can also filter listings based on specific parameters and home features.

The CENTURY 21 iPhone app includes five navigation tabs that provide additional features and functionality for home buyers:

  • Area Tab: Ever ask “Where do I want to live?” The Area Tab aims to answer that question by providing a Wikipedia summary and statistics on an area, including population and recently sold homes. Also available in this tab is school rating information as well as photos of the area via an easily viewable slide show format with touch slide navigation.
  • Listings Tab: In addition to viewing listings in a traditional format, prospective buyers can customize their view of the listing by adding their own pictures and notes that display together and stay with their individual view of that listing.
  • Open House Tab: This tab provides information on open houses in the area where the iPhone is located, including time, location and other pertinent information about the event.
  • Office Tab: This handy tab will help buyers locate the nearest CENTURY 21 office so a real estate professional can assist them. The tab provides phone and e-mail contact information as well as maps of office locations.
  • My Favorites Tab: Once buyers find a house they like or a detail they want to learn more about, they can save it in the My Favorites tab for quick reference.

“The new CENTURY 21 iPhone application provides an exceptional experience for home buyers by marrying the ease of on-the-go functionality and mobile technology with the extensive knowledge of — and connection to — CENTURY 21 sales professionals,” said Bev Thorne, chief marketing officer, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “Our new iPhone app delivers on our commitment to providing exceptional service to our customers and sales professionals.”

The CENTURY 21 Real Estate iPhone app is free to download from Apple’s App Store or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. Search for “CENTURY 21 Real Estate” in the App Store or find it in the Lifestyle category.

Media Contacts:

Matt Gentile

Century 21 Real Estate LLC

Phone: 973-407-6102

Mobile: 973-647-9042

matt.gentile@century21.com

Stuart Foster

For Century 21 Real Estate LLC

Phone: 617-226-9330

Mobile: 207-752-2960

sfoster@mullen.com

Tagged as: iphone, navigation tabs, real estate brokerages, school details, specific city, time location

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