The Lipman Group Sotheby's International Realty

Weekend at Bernie's - NYC

2009-10-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

U.S. Marshalls chose Serena Boardman, a broker for Sothebys International Realty in New York, to sell Madoff's penthouse pad. Her approach? She says she's selling the 3-bedroom, 4-bath co-op just like it's any other listing, and is focused on making the most money for the victims of the Madoff fund.

For Full Article Click Link:
http://www.frontdoor.com/buy/Cool-Houses-Daily/432

Virtual Staging Sparks Sales of Vacant Homes

2009-10-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

Realtors already use the Web to showcase their listings online, where buyers peruse them before hitting the home tours. Now comes virtual staging.
Here's how it works: A real estate agent e-mails photos of a vacant home to a stager, who digitally adds tables, chairs, lamps, art work and other items to make the space look more inviting. The agent uses the enhanced photos for his Web site, the Multiple Listing Service, flyers and other advertising.

Virtual staging is gaining ground in today's distressed economy and real estate market. Many for-sale homes are vacant because they're in foreclosure or because the owners have had to move before being able to sell them.

Meanwhile, falling prices mean less or no profit for sellers, who might not be inclined to spend money on traditional staging. Realtors earn less, too, because their income is derived from the sales price.

With so many vacant houses on the market, it also can catch a buyer's attention, said Jay Bell, manager of Virtually Staging Properties in Atlanta.
Bell and his wife, Krisztina, are traditional stagers who expanded into the virtual realm last year. His company charges $225 to enhance three photos - say of the kitchen, living room and dining room. Four photos cost $280; five, $325. Each additional photo is $60. If the Bells were to traditionally stage a vacant home's kitchen, living room and dining room, they would charge $2,200 to $2,400, including their service and a minimum three months' rental of the furnishings. After that, the rental would be $550 to $600 a month. Mike King, a Realtor with Sotheby's International Realty Inc. in Brentwood (Los Angeles County), paid the Bells about $300 to virtually stage a vacant 2,400-square-foot home last year. Actual staging in his area would have cost $3,000 to $4,500 for three months, he said. After King added the staged photos to his Web site, the number of hits increased about 40 percent, he said. Kirk Lebowe, owner-broker of PreVue Properties in El Segundo (Los Angeles County), used the Bells to virtually stage a vacant two-bedroom, two-bath condo in Santa Monica. Cost was a major factor in his decision, but when a home is vacant, he said, "people have a hard time visualizing things."

Another virtual stager, Dennis Miller, co-owner of Virtual Staging Solutions in Cranford, N.J., agreed. "Four bare walls don't give a true picture of the potential of a home," he said.He charges $197 to virtually stage three photos, usually of the living room, dining room and master bedroom. Additional photos are $47 each. His business differs slightly from others' because you also can buy the furniture in the photos through a partnership with Ashley Furniture. It takes about three to five days to add images to digital photos. "This is a service that takes time," Miller said. "It's not plop, plop, plop. We're designers."

Sellers also can use virtual staging for furnished homes. In this scenario, a real estate agent e-mails several views of the rooms to a stager for advice on how to make them more inviting.

Cindy Lin, owner of Staged4More Staging & Redesigns in South San Francisco, provided such suggestions for a house in San Jose. The wife felt she could stage it herself, but Lin was consulted for her professional opinion on "how to tweak it to make the space look bigger," she said.She charged $250. If she had done a full staging on the three-bedroom house, her fee would have been $1,500 to $2,500 for the consultation and two months' rental of furnishings.The home's listing agent, Pat Kapowich, co-owner of Kapowich Real Estate in Sunnyvale, said virtual staging advice has helped take his listings from an average of about 19 days on the market to five to seven, he said. "It has been a real boost to my business."Kellie Frooninckx, owner of Virtual Enriching Homes in Phoenix, also analyzes photographs and offers advice for making a home more attractive by adding, subtracting or rearranging items. Sometimes it's as basic as telling the homeowner to put the toilet seat down or add throw pillows or lamps.When virtually staging a vacant home, agents might wonder whether to tell clients that what they see on the Web is not what they'll see in the house. Some stagers put a small watermark on their photos. For $49 each, Virtually Staging Properties will provide an 8 x 10-inch mounted photo to place in the vacant room to help buyers remember what they saw on the Web.Realtor Lebowe said he doesn't disclose that the home was virtually staged. He sees it as a way to give the buyers decorating ideas. After all, he said, "You're not selling (the home) with the furniture.

Resources
-- Staged4More Home Staging & Redesigns, www.staged4more.com, (650) 293-7458
-- Virtual Enriching Homes, www.virtualenrichinghomes.com, (888) 543-4970
-- Virtually Staging Properties, www.virtuallystagingproperties.com, (404) 949-9797
-- Virtual Staging Solutions, www.virtualstagingsolutions.com, (888) 201-9042

Submitted by: Stephanie Lloyd, Marketing Manager at The Lipman Group Sotheby's International Realty

Article by: Judy Richter, Special to The Chronicle

Being True to Your Brand

2009-10-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

RISMEDIA, October 10, 2009—Making good marketing decisions is one key way to stay successful in today’s real estate market. While the online world has opened a new venue of opportunity for marketers everywhere, it is critical to know how to target the right audience with the right message. Here, Wendy Purvey, Senior Vice President, Marketing with Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC shares three simple—but vital steps—that will help you achieve more targeted results with less effort.

Wendy Purvey
Senior Vice President, Marketing
Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
www.sothebysrealty.com

The online world has opened up a universe of opportunity for marketers everywhere—most especially in real estate, where it is possible to make more impressions, more often, to more people. For years, doing “more” has been real estate’s marketing motto and the online space provides the perfect breeding ground for that philosophy. But what about doing less and getting more?

In any medium, making a good marketing decision means choosing the right partners to target the right audience with the right message. Why should the online space be any different? Staying true to your marketing message in an overcrowded venue is tough to accomplish but critical for long-term success.

Following these three simple—but vital—steps will help you achieve more targeted results with less effort:

1) Walk in their shoes.

2) Choose the right partners.

3) Be true to your company’s vision.

When all is said and done, it is well-defined companies that help shape the way consumers think and feel about a business even before they walk in the door, respond to an advertisement or experience it online.

Click here for the full article: http://rismedia.com/2009-10-10/being-true-to-your-brand-online/#ixzz0TjPZJDTK

Today’s Strategies for Tomorrow’s Payoffs

2009-10-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

Tips from the pros on keeping your home marketable — and more livable
by Iyna Bort Caruso

Your home may not be on the market, but keeping it in market-ready condition is one of the best strategies for protecting its long-term investment potential.

“That really does two things,” explains James Retz, Senior Vice President of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty in Huntington, N.Y. “It prevents major expenses due to deferred maintenance at the time of sale. And it allows you to enjoy living in your home more.”

It’s just one of the tactics real estate experts recommend for maximizing the value of your home. Even in a challenging economy, homeowners can boost sales prospects by being vigilant about routine repairs and proactive about making their home stand out in a crowded market.

Brian T. Cadieux, managing director of the real estate appraisal firm IRR–Residential Valuation Services in Campbell, Calif., regularly assesses executive homes in Silicon Valley. “When you get into the high-end home market, there are certain features that have to be there. If they’re not, it creates much more of a negative impact than in the mid- or low-end of the market,” he says. A top-of-the-line kitchen is one of these features. “Without it, people aren’t going to waste their time unless they’re thinking of gutting the house.” Cadieux has also been noticing a trend in lavish master bedroom suites. “We’re not just talking about a walk-in closet, but dual walk-in closets and tricked-out spa bathrooms. Literally, a little retreat within the house.”

Any additions or renovations should be done for your personal enjoyment, of course, but it’s important to make highly individualized renovations you can easily undo if you decide to sell. There is a whole range of improvements that don’t necessary return 100% of the investment, but some changes — no matter how pricey — just don’t translate and actually detract from a home’s value.

“Don’t step too far out of bounds,” cautions Riley Kirn of Bluegrass Sotheby’s International Realty in Lexington, Ky. “Anything you do narrows or expands the buyer realm. If the addition is too singular, the home may languish when it comes to market.” That doesn’t mean giving up the idea of, say, a basement bowling alley or indoor roller rink. “Just make sure it’s reversible,” Kirn says.

Kirn’s territory is thoroughbred horse breeding country with homeowners hailing from around the world. The biggest mistake he sees is exquisite homes sabotaged by low-end design choices: Hollow doors inside multi-million dollar homes; average craftsmanship; rooms without crown molding; off-the-shelf fixtures; wall-to-wall carpeting versus wood or tile floors; average kitchens and baths. “People demand nice open kitchens with granite countertops, Sub-Zero refrigerators and commercial-caliber ovens. When a buyer walks in and sees appliances that are not custom, it degrades the perceived value from then on.”

A home of distinction must live up to its own high standards. And it must be appointed with the kind of amenities that the local marketplace demands. Nice-to-have in one part of the world may be must-have in another. In Northern California, for instance, wine cellars are a given among elite properties just as pools are in Miami. In regions where sustainability is valued, greening a home can return both feel-good benefits and financial rewards.

Candace Dyal of Dyal Compass LLC, a Boston-based real estate development firm, is putting the final touches of an eco-facelift on a property on Kiawah Island, S.C., an environmentally sensitive area. The home is on the market for $14 million. While other residences at similar price points are being overlooked, Dyal’s is garnering attention not only for its grandeur, but also for its green design and energy conservation measures. “I thought if we could make it more efficient with less waste, let’s do it,” says Dyal.

The home, along with an adjacent guesthouse, sits on a double lot with ocean views. It was originally an old Georgian with engineering problems. Instead of knocking down the structure, Dyal had its facade remodeled to resemble a cedar-shingled Nantucket-style classic and is now pursuing LEED certification, which recognizes homes that meet certain environmentally sustainable standards. She salvaged some of the original structure and then supplemented it with energy efficient technologies. Solar panels, low-flow faucets, drought-tolerant plants and locally manufactured building materials minimize the environmental impact of further land development.

The result, she says, is that the home is 35% more efficient than code. “The investment decision to go green will benefit the future homeowner with significant savings. Kiawah Island is a very nature-conscious place, and this house shares that sentiment. And when you do it right, everyone wins and everyone saves.” In fact, the green movement is catching on so rapidly that Dyal Compass LLC’s next project is a platinum LEED-certified neighborhood on Kiawah.

To safeguard your home’s appreciation, measure any capital improvements as part of the total cost of ownership. Retz says people have to recognize the difference between dollars they’ve put into their home and what it’s worth. Avoid overimproving disproportionately to what the market will bear and overleveraging with home equity loans. “It’s not a personal ATM machine,” Retz says. “Excessive liens in a decelerating market can impact both marketability and peace of mind. The goal is to keep your investment and your home’s value as far apart as possible.”

September/October Issue of Sotheby's At Auction

2009-10-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

Sotheby's At Auction the new prestigious publication presented by Sotheby's is a celebration of the most extraordinary collectibles on the international art market. This lavish resource showcases the most important pieces of fine and decorative art and precious objects offered at each of Sotheby's Auction locations: New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong, Milan, Geneva, Doha, and Amsterdam.

With Captivating illustrations, spectacular details and intriguing visual juxtapositions, Sotheby's At Auction is designed to serve the needs of Sotheby's most important clientele..the most affluent the most discerning.

Each issue of Sotheby's At Auction features a select gallery of Sotheby's International Realty listings.

If interested in a copy, please contact our office, 615.463.3333 - The Lipman Group Sotheby's International Realty.

Marketing and Real Estate - What Sellers Need to Know

2009-09-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

by Janet Blanton, Vice President, Marketing/Founding Partner, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

The combination of today’s economy and technology advances allow for many opportunities and challenges in marketing real estate for sale. Most homes, especially in today’s market, can’t “sell themselves” and that is true now more than ever. Pervasive marketing, along with a home priced well for today’s market, are keys to success.

New technologies = casting a wider net
Now more than ever we at Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty are sometimes surprised at the source of the buyer and/or the buyer profile. We have started casting our marketing net out to a wider audience. Through the Sotheby’s International Realty eBlast system, we are able to communicate to a large audience in a timely manner. Emails from listing agents are sent to clients and customers regarding homes for sale, price reductions and open houses. Our lists are opt-in and opt-out, so we are confident that those who want to receive the emails are receiving them and others that do not can remove themselves from the list.

From the company’s marketing department, we send eBlasts to thousands of agents in metro Atlanta inviting them to special parties and broker open houses. The result? Our attendance has increased enormously - sometimes to more than 400 REALTORS® at an event. An eBlast invitation resulted in the sale of the most expensive penthouse sold in Atlanta. The buyer’s agent would not have known to show it had it not been for the eBlast invitation to an event earlier that year.

In 2000, Google.com recorded 100 million searches per day. In 2008, the average was 2 billion per day. Over 40 percent of consumers check at least four Web sites in their search for a home, so having your home on as many Web sites as possible is integral in getting the word out. We “launch” properties to dozens of Web sites including Google.com, The Wall Street Journal at wsj.com, the International Herald Tribune at iht.com, AOL.com, Trulia.com, Realtor.com and many more.

Another growth area on the Internet is blogging. A blog allows the special features of the home to be described further and then found more easily on search engines. For example, if your property was designed by a noted architect like Philip Shutze, and that is mentioned in the post, then the listing will appear in search results if someone is searching for that particular architect. We feature homes on our blog regularly and several individual homes always come up in the search results.

A new addition to our firm’s Web site is a 3D search feature that allows the user to “fly in” to a property, see 3D views from all angles, fly around the property, see parcel maps and access tax information.

Tried and True
Let us not underestimate the power of the real estate agent and their personal sales, negotiation and marketing efforts. The National Association of REALTORS® tells us that more than 60 percent of people found out about their home either through the Internet or an agent.

A solid agent’s network will pave the way for more agents to become interested in previewing the home. Broker open houses, public open houses and our new idea of Thursday evening open houses for agents and/or customers (including wine and cheese) have gained popularity. There are so many homes to preview on the market that this allows yet another option.

Finally, traditional methods of marketing a property like networking, direct mail and brochures have not necessarily gone to the wayside. Earlier this year, our firm sold the most expensive home in Atlanta’s history…and the conversation between the agent and the client began as a result of the agent’s personal handwritten note along with a professionally-printed Sotheby’s International Realty brochure delivered to the client’s home address.

2009-09-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful, motivational video created to give a sense of the phenomenal global reach of Sotheby's International Realty®.

The Lipman Group Sotheby's International Realty hopes you enjoy the video and walk away feeling inspired and motivated!

Sotheby's International Realty sells home to pop star Natasha Bedingfield

2009-09-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

-LA Times
Pop star Natasha Bedingfield, who launched her own British invasion of the U.S. airwaves with such often-played hits as "Unwritten," has purchased a home in the Los Feliz area for $2.3 million.

The London-born singer-songwriter bought a 4,792-square-foot contemporary with four bedrooms, 5 1/2 bathrooms, a media room, gym and office in three stories.

The recently renovated house, built in 1953, has city light and mountain views. There is a swimming pool and a detached three-car garage with a guesthouse above.

Bedingfield, 27, earned a Grammy nomination for best female pop vocal performance in 2007 for the title song on her debut album, "Unwritten." She released "Pocketful of Sunshine" in 2008 and tweets that she has been back in London for part of the summer working on her third album.

The face of Gap advertisements proved herself a savvy home shopper. The price of the house she acquired had been dropped $2 million since coming on the market in January 2008 at $4,495,000.

The husky-voiced singer appeared this year on "America's Got Talent" and "Dancing With the Stars," among other shows. She performed songs for 2009 movies including "Bride Wars" and " Confessions of a Shopaholic."

Richard Stanley of Coldwell Banker, Los Feliz, had the listing. Bedingfield was represented by Aaron Montelongo of Sotheby's International Realty's Sunset office.

HOUSING MAINTAINS UPWARD TREND

2009-08-28T11:40:00.001-07:00

For the first time in five years, existing home sales have increased for the past four months in a row, according to the National Association of Realtors. The combination of first-time buyers utilizing the housing stimulus tax credit along with more affordable conditions are resulting in higher sales. Additionally, the Department of Commerce reported a huge gain in new home sales in July at 7.2 percent including single-family, town homes, condominiums and co-ops.

As the housing market continues to improve, the psychology of the buyer is now “I don’t want to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime drop in home prices” instead of “I can wait until later to buy.” Despite historically low mortgage rates, some buyers are opting to go with all-cash offers, especially in light of heavy competition for foreclosed homes in a number of markets.

A survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) showed first-time buyers purchased 30 percent of homes in July and distressed homes accounted for 31 percent of transactions during that month. First-time buyers should try to make contractual offers by the end of September to avoid missing the November 30 closing deadline.

Repeat buyers are seeing increased activity as entry-level buyers are enabling some existing owners to sell and relocate. The release of the pent-up demand should help carry momentum forward in this time of sustainable recovery. If the inventory of homes continues to decline, prices should stabilize by the end of the year.

Home sales in the South in July rose 7.1 percent to annual pace of 1.95 million and are up 5.4 percent more than July 2008. The median price in the South was $164,500, down 7.1 percent from a year ago. Most price declines occurred six months ago and prices have primarily remained the same in the past few months.

The NAR predicts as confidence in the overall housing market keeps improving, demand will begin to increase at higher price points. It also speculates that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Index will increase by 2.5 percent by the first quarter of 2010. It expects the unemployment rate to be at 10.5 percent and the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate to be 5.6 percent by the end of the year.

More people applied for mortgages in the past week to buy a home and to refinance. The total application rate rose 7.5 percent from the previous week. In these changing market conditions and as interest in home sales continues to rise, realtors are the best resources for consumers since the transaction process has become more complex.

Architectural Digest

2009-08-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

Sotheby's International Realty partners with Architectural Digest on the launch of their new ShopAD program. A great site to look for Furniture, Lighting, Wall coverings, Textiles, Carpet, Flooring, and much more! Click the link below. http://www.shopad.net/welcome.php

Sotheby’s International Realty Brand Collaborates with Frontgate Home Furnishings

2009-08-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC announced a marketing agreement with Frontgate®, a leading fine home furnishings distributor, to showcase some of the unique properties represented by its more than 10,200 sales associates located in nearly 500 offices in 39 countries and territories worldwide.

The Sotheby’s International Realty® brand and several of its fine listings will be featured in a series of Frontgate catalogs, beginning with the “June B” issue. This issue’s main article, written by Architectural Digest, showcases a Sotheby’s International Realty listing in Montecito, Calif., furnished by Frontgate. In addition, information on other brand listings is available throughout the catalog. Consumers are encouraged to visit the Sotheby’s International Realty microsite on the Frontgate Web site for more information on the featured home.

“Frontgate is a quality provider of home furnishings, and we are proud to showcase our firm’s extraordinary listings to their consumers,” said Wendy Purvey, senior vice president of marketing, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “This relationship provides a point of differentiation for our network, offering our brokers and sales associates another valuable way to reach potential clientele.”

Frontgate is part of Cornerstone Brands, Inc. (CBI), a family of direct marketers that ranks among this country's top ten consumer direct firms. Today, Frontgate is the recognized leader in catalog and online shopping for the home environment.

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. In February 2004, Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system by Realogy’s subsidiary, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

Seizing the Upside of a Down Market

2009-07-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

Great article from the Wall Street Journal - please click link:
http://online.wsj.com/ad/article/sir-insights?WC=TABIns

2009-06-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

Sotheby’s International Realty Brand’s RESIDE Magazine
Honored with Hermes Platinum Award

PARSIPPANY, N.J. (June 18, 2009) – Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced its RESIDE® magazine recently was honored with a 2009 Hermes Platinum Award for creative excellence and outstanding design and editorial in the overall magazine category.

The award was given for RESIDE magazine’s issue two, volume two, which was distributed in Fall 2008.

The Hermes Creative Awards are administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. According to the organization, they are an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of traditional materials and programs and emerging technologies. The organization’s mission is to honor outstanding achievement and service to the communications profession.

“Our goal when we created RESIDE magazine was to offer consumers a valuable resource for the latest information on luxury real estate, lifestyles and trends, and to showcase the extraordinary property represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty® network,” said Wendy Purvey, senior vice president, marketing, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “This magazine was one of more than 4,000 entries worldwide, and only 17 percent of entrants were recognized. This honor illustrates that we have achieved our goal.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 10,200 sales associates located in nearly 500 offices in 39 countries and territories worldwide. RESIDE magazine is published by MacDUFF Publishing in Atlanta, a custom content provider and specialty agency that develops effective branded communication tools for leading passion-based brands.

For more information on the Hermes Creative Awards, go to: http://www.hermesawards.com/index.php

Nashville Highlights 2009

2009-06-19T14:25:00.001-07:00

1.7 Million Residents in the Nashville Economic Market

30,485 Population Growth in 2008

43 New Relocated Companies

Nashville International Airport Service
•16 Airlines
•Operating 400 average daily flights
•89 markets and 49 non-stop markets

19 Colleges/Universities with almost 100,000 students
•$72M Economic Impact
•$134 in Charitable Contributions

Corporate Headquarters in the Nashville Area
•Hospital Corporation of America – 8,500 employees
•Nissan North America- 7,300 employees
•Bridgestone/Firestone – 3,800 employees
•Cracker Barrel Restaurants – 3,350 employees
•Asurion – 2,700 employees

Business Sectors
•Health Care
•Manufacturing
•Music and Entertainment
•Distribution

Quality of Life
•Pro Sports: NFL, NHL, Busch Series Raceway, AAA Basketball
•30,000 acres of lakes
•10,000 acres of parks/greenways
•$150M Symphony Center

Overall Growth and Success of the Sotheby's International Realty

2009-05-13T08:14:00.001-07:00

Today the brand grew the office count within its network by more than 10 % in 2008, ending the year with 10,750 sales associates located in more than 500 offices in 39 countries and territories worldwide.
In 2008, 19 firms across 10 states: New Jersey, Utah, Massachusetts, Washington, California, Colorado, Florida, Delaware, New York and North Carolina. As well, 30 Sotheby’s International Realty affiliated companies expanded by opening new offices to widen their market coverage.
April 2008 Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC won Franchise Business Review’s Best in Category for Real Estate Franchisee Satisfaction award.
August 2008, the brand was rated the most prestigious real estate company by high net-worth consumers in the Luxury Institute’s 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index survey.
February 2009 the brand’s Web site became multi-lingual with the addition of seven new languages.
2009 Franchisee Satisfaction award Franchise Business Review’s 2009 Real Estate Franchisee Satisfaction award: #1 in category, #7 of the more than 400 franchises surveyed.
March 2009, named to Franchise Times Fast 55 list.
The Sotheby's International Realty network of all offices median average sold home is approximately $500,000.
On a full-year basis, the Sotheby's International Realty network has experienced 590 percent growth in overall transaction sides from 2004 to 2006.
In July 2007, Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates, LLC reached the milestone of adding the 100^th U.S. brokerage company to its luxury real estate network since we fist began the franchise model in 2004.
On the international growth front, the Sotheby's International Realty brand recently signed exclusive licensing agreements for the Czech Republic, with an office scheduled to open this year. The brand expanded into Germany, Slovakia, Vietnam, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Gibraltar.
Sotheby's International Realty also has listed the premier equestrian estate in the U.S., Hummingbird Nest Ranch, at $75 million.

Breakdown of $8,000 Tax Credit

2009-05-13T08:13:00.001-07:00

TAR Governmental Affairs Department Report
Breakdown of $8,000 Tax Credit
February 2009
This week Congress passed an economic stimulus package that included an extension and increase in the previous $7,500 first-time tax credit from last summer to $8,000. There are also some attractive features of the new version. (Please click on the link below for additional information).

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=d6283zj_3jsrgpfdq

6 Ingredients of Strong Housing Market

2009-05-13T08:12:00.001-07:00

With lower home prices and attractive mortgage rates, 2009 will present plenty of bargains for real estate shoppers. But as the historic bust continues, Americans everywhere are learning a painful lesson about home buying: property values don't always increase. As such, anyone looking to purchase a home this year should make sure they're buying into a community that can support long-term value. With the help of housing experts, U.S. News compiled a list of the top 6 ingredients of strong housing markets:

1. A well-groomed neighborhood

2. Good schools

3. Low crime

4. Close to public transportation

5. Favorable population trends

6. Healthy employment landscape

Please click the link for detailed article.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/6-Ingredients-of-Strong-usnews-14195846.html/print

2009-05-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

2079 Old Hillsboro Road, Franklin, TN. This incredible property blends historic charm with modern amenities. Lovingly maintained and renovated over the years, the 19th century home is pleasing to all of the senses. Beautiful kitchen with morning bar and a stunning view of the grounds from the bay window. Large living room with wall of windows and cozy fireplace. Large, sun-filled family room with three walls of windows and high ceiling with cross bars looking out to the pool. Barn with exercise area. 6 BR possible with guest house - log cabin guest house has a fireplace, kitchen, a full bath and hardwood floors - square feet approximately 830 (not included in main home square footage). Lawrence M. Lipman, 615.364.3333 and Christopher Steere, 615.604.0210

Majestic Southern Colonial

2009-01-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

827 Tyne Blvd, Nashville, TN. Completely remodeled & professionally decorated. Living room/family room- incredible feel with Tuscany finished walls, high ceiling, hardwood floors & beautiful details. Dining room -gracious banquet size with dentil crown molding, heavy chair rail. Kitchen has granite counters, hardwood floor, center island, abundance of cabinetry +built in roll- top desk. Home also offers an outside kitchen, entertaining area with privacy, & library. Walk out to the sun-filled Florida room with phenomenal views, walls of glass, and built in wet bar with leaded glass fronts in cabinetry. Office with outside entrance. Carriage house style doors all open to pool with lovely Philadelphia stone & brick border, raised hot tub surrounded by blue stone and 1 Half Bath. One of the most incredible guest houses you will see with carriage house style doors all open to pool with lovely Philadelphia stone & brick border, raised hot tub surrounded by blue stone. 6 Bedrooms, 6 Full Bath, One Half Bath.
Lawrence Lipman, 615.364.3333