Luxury Real Estate Blog

This CNN/Money article offers an interesting take on luxury waterfront properties. According to the article, even though we all know that the climate is getting warmer and that this could signal a rise in the ocean level, luxury home buyers are actually buying more waterfront properties. It seems like demand for waterfront properties would decrease as buyers see a higher risk associated with buying land that could be underwater by the year 2100. But if you’re retiring and looking for the best in luxury living then you’re probably not worried about possible risks that might affect you in 100 years. Also, the article points out that in the Western United States and Europe the sea level is actually falling because of shifting tectonic plates, showing that the future might not be all bad. Beachfront properties are some of the hottest commodities in the luxury real estate market. In fact, they are in such high demand that the city of Dubai famously created hundreds of acres of man-made islands and beachfront properties to give luxury buyers even more places to move in. Let’s face it: living on the ocean or other bodies of water is glamorous. Plus, major cities like Miami or New York City can’t be simply relocated away from the shore, and as long as many high-paying jobs are on the coast then people will want to live there. As the weather gets warmer, it’s natural that people will want to be near bodies of water to relax and stay cool. Don’t stress too much about the heat. Just keep it in perspective.

When is a home worth $10 million? Gene Northup, with Century 21 Advantage Gold, has the answer: When it is one of the last bastions of true elegant living, when it allows you to throw your head back and breathe in the incomparable air of your own waterfront estate, and when you can do all of this living enthroned in luxury and elegance fit for royalty.

Well-known as a popular gathering place for famous sports figures, musicians and actors, and as the largest single-family home in Miami’s luxurious South Beach, The Temple House is currently on sale. This home has a tradition of attracting celebrities who come to enjoy its legendary parties. These celebrities include Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, Jay-Z, Tony Hawk, Jamie Foxx, Michael Mann, Venus Williams, Magic Johnson and Victor Manuelle.Located at 1415 Euclid Ave., The Temple House is next to Flamingo Park and within a half-mile of the Atlantic Ocean. It sits on two adjacent lots within two blocks of the upscale shopping center on Lincoln Road. Quick access to seaports and the Miami International Airport provide residents with a variety of options to travel to and from this luxurious property. It’s hard to imagine a more luxurious place to live in this city, which is already known for its luxurious living. Audrey Ross of Christie's Great Estates – Esslinger Wooten Maxwell is currently offering The Temple House for $12.75 million.You can also read a news release on The Temple House here.

On Thursday, June 14, 2007 I read an article in The Seattle Times called “Megahouses multiplying, but how big is too big?” This article brought up the point that people living in modest neighborhoods are complaining about large mansions being built nearby around the United States in places like Austin, Texas; Marin County, Calif.; Queens, N.Y.; Chevy Chase, Md.; Bellevue, Wash. and Atlanta. The following day I read this article, also in The Seattle Times, entitled “Pursuit of luxury knows no bounds for rich who splurge with abandon.” According to this article, the distance between haves and have-nots is as wide as it was during the Great Depression, and there seems to be a disregard among the super-rich for the costs of their tastes.Suddenly the situation is becoming clearer.I’m certainly not saying it is a bad thing to desire the best properties money can buy. Luxury home buyers are willing to pay top dollar for large, rare and unique properties because they are so luxurious and distinct from other homes. The incredible demand for immense, luxury properties is naturally pushing builders and real estate professionals to supply large, exquisite homes in new places. However, I am saying that wisdom and prudence should prevail as buyers and sellers make decisions about new properties that affect neighbors and society at large. Let us respect the needs of the many and not just the few so that all can benefit from new home sales that can raise neighboring property values instead of making neighbors feel uncomfortable.As more buyers demand high-quality luxury properties we have more opportunities to help them make responsible, constructive decisions.

When it comes to relocation, we have made it a priority to know all the regional agencies and as a result have come to know all the players well. We work privately in that respect. Additionally, we try to drive everything to our website as we have many of our agents on board with relocation.Something that I strongly recommend for increasing your presence and gaining more referrals is engaging with civic minded organizations. We donate money to several different groups and have become quite visible locally and regionally. This strong presence has driven many referrals our way.

By Charlene Meenan Great success should always inspire people to achieve more in their lives and professional careers. At Chase International, success is praised and shared with the entire company. It does not matter if it is your first sale, just a sale or a company best. I think that lays the groundwork to make you want to be your best and to understand that there are no limits on what you can achieve unless you put them there.