środa, 9 grudnia 2015

Annual Food and Toy Drive Is Underway at All Zephyr Real Estate Offices

Posted by Melody J Foster

SAN FRANSISCO, CA - The season is here, the weather is brisk, and toy and food collection barrels are in place. Zephyr Real Estate’s traditional toy and food drive is underway at all Zephyr locations in San Francisco and Marin County. The drive will continue through the holidays.
Food donations will go to the San Francisco & Marin County Food Bank. The Food Bank distributes food to more than 225,000 people during the holidays. Over 107,000 meals are provided daily, and 30,000 families will receive wholesome foods at the Bank’s pantries weekly. 10,000 children will be served healthy snacks in the classroom each school day, and 450 community partners will receive supplies for their meal and food programs. Together over 25,000 volunteers make this program work by getting the most value from each donation and distributing the food where it is needed most.

Food items should be non-perishable. Most-needed foods are soup, chili, beans, canned vegetables, tuna, canned meat, cereal, peanut butter and granola bars (no glass containers, please). Cash donations and gift cards are always welcome. The Food Bank’s buying power can distribute approximately $6 worth of food for every $1 donation.
Toys donated in San Francisco will go to the San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program. Toys donated in Marin will go to the Salvation Army Toy Program. Both organizations have a long history of charity year-round with additional emphasis during the holidays. Donation suggestions include sports equipment, arts and crafts, baby items (blankets, bottles, rattles), dolls of all nationalities, stuffed animals, iPods, game systems with games, books and toy trucks.
Hunger is tough any time of year, and even tougher during the holidays. For children, toys can make a difficult time more joyful and instill a sense of giving back in later years. These opportunities to share the spirit of the holidays provide a deep sense of community in all those who donate.
“Zephyr has a long and rich tradition of sharing our abundance,” remarked Randall Kostick, President of Zephyr Real Estate. “Our agents, managers and staff have always been generous, and we invite everyone who is able to join us in this opportunity to give.”
About Zephyr Real Estate
Founded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San Francisco's largest independent real estate firm with over $2 billion in gross sales and a current roster of more than 300 full-time agents. Zephyr’s highly-visited website has earned two web design awards, including the prestigious Interactive Media Award. Zephyr Real Estate is a member of the international relocation network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World; the luxury real estate network, Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate; global luxury affiliate, Mayfair International; and local luxury marketing association, the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco. Zephyr has six offices in San Francisco, a brand new office in Greenbrae, and two brokerage affiliates in Sonoma County, all strategically positioned to serve a large customer base throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit www.ZephyrRE.com.

Hammond’s Dana DeSimone Represents Buyer in $3,055,000 South End Multi-Family Transaction

Posted by Leaura Levine

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - Hammond Residential Real Estate’s Dana DeSimone recently represented the buyer in connection with the $3,055,000 sale of 148 West Newton Street, a two-family townhouse located in Boston’s desirable South End neighborhood.
Featuring 3,207 square feet of living area, 148 West Newton Street is comprised of an upper duplex and a lower triplex that are easily convertible to one single-family residence or could remain as a two-unit building. The two units feature fourteen total rooms, including seven bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Period details such as fireplaces, high ceilings, and bow windows are found throughout the two units, which also share a large sunny yard and come with two convenient and easily-accessible parking spaces.
The property has been purchased by a developer and is slated for a complete luxury renovation with occupancy projected for Spring 2016.
Located near a host of restaurant, retail, and transportation amenities, 148 West Newton Street also enjoys proximity to many of Boston’s desirable areas such as Copley Square and the Prudential Center lifestyle complex.
A native to the Boston area, Dana DeSimone was raised in historic Newburyport, MA and has been a resident in the South End of Boston for over 25 years.
Dana has a proven track record as one of the top listing and selling agents in Boston, and over the years this has enabled him to develop a long-standing history of repeat clientele. Often sought out from colleagues, buyers and sellers as a resource for knowledge and information, Dana is well-known in the city as an experienced professional committed to helping his clients. His entrepreneurial background and dedication to customer service has been the cornerstone of his success in helping his clients, whether they are considering a property as a home or for investment purposes.
Hammond Residential Real Estate’s South End office is located at 10 Berkeley Street, ATELIER 505. If you are interested in the purchase or sale of luxury properties in and around Greater Boston, please visit http://danadesimone.myhammondagent.com/ and http://www.hammondre.com/.

Property listings fall across the UK, more than usual seasonal drop off

Wednesday, 09 December 2015

New property listings in the UK fell by 21.5% across the country in November following three months of small rises, the latest research shows, with London particularly affected. The data from the Property Supply Index compiled by online estate agents House Simple recorded the biggest drop in property supply in any one month since the index launched in May 2015.
The worst fall was in Bath with a wall of 42.6% in November and the data also shows that five of the 15 towns that saw the biggest drop in supply were in the north west of England.
Property supply in London fell by 21% and not a single London borough saw a rise in property listings in November while Salford and Chichester were the only locations to see a rise.
Indeed Bath has seen a steady decline in supply each month since June, according to the index which tracks the number of new properties listed on Rightmove every month in more than 100 major towns and cities across the UK and all London boroughs. Only 135 new properties in Bath were listed in November, compared to a high of 284 in June.
The West Midland cities of Worcester and Solihull saw new property listings drop 41% and 39% respectively in November. While Chichester and Salford saw rises of 14.8% and 11.6% respectively.
According to Rightmove figures, Bootle and Swansea have seen the biggest swing in property supply in the past two months, with October seeing a 47.4% and 36.6% rise respectively in property supply compared to September, followed by a 35.1% and 23.9% fall respectively in supply in November compared to October.
In London Richmond upon Thames saw new property listings drop almost a third at 31% in November. While, the boroughs of Bromley and Hillingdon, each experienced a 30% drop off in new property listings last month.
The figures reveal that there wasn’t a single London borough that saw an increase in new listings in November. Greenwich and Barking and Dagenham experienced the smallest falls in supply, with new listings down just 5% and 9% last month compared to October. More than half the capital’s boroughs, some18 of the 32, saw new stock levels fall by more than a fifth in November compared to October.
‘Everyone knows by now that we have a property supply issue in this country, but these latest figures reveal just how severe that problem is as we head into the New Year. The total number of new property listings in November across the UK was just over 65,000, that is nearly 20,000 less than in October, and the lowest level since we launched the index in May,’ said House Simple chief executive officer Alex Gosling.
‘Historically, as we get closer to Christmas, the property market does start to slow down, so a fall in property supply levels is not unexpected. However, the drop off is too dramatic to be simply attributed to seasonality factors alone,’ he pointed out.
He explained that while the Government has implemented several schemes to help people get onto the property market, the latest of which being the Help to Buy ISA, they aren’t addressing the supply shortage, and if there are no homes to buy, these schemes are just window dressing.
‘It is vital the housing market starts the New Year with vigour, because there are some potentially stormy seas ahead with the new buy to let stamp duty hikes looming large on the horizon,’ he added.

Arthur Rawding joins Hammond Residential Real Estate Chestnut Hill Office

Posted by Mark H. Lippolt

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - Jim Nemetz, manager of Hammond Residential Real Estate’s Chestnut Hill and Waban offices, is pleased to announce that Arthur Rawding has affiliated with Hammond. In his new role, Rawding will collaborate with buyer and seller clients from Hammond’s Chestnut Hill office located at 826 Boylston Street.

Rawding comes to Hammond from one of the most successful real estate teams in the Brookline-Newton market. In 2014 and 2015, Rawding’s personal production on the team reached over $14 million in sales annually. He brings to his buyer and seller clients, nearly thirty years of experience in Greater Boston’s diverse residential real estate markets, ranging from downtown Boston’s ultra-luxury units to condos and single-family housing in Boston’s neighborhoods and adjacent suburbs.
Rawding’s exceptional service orientation and depth of knowledge derives from a decade overseeing property management at Harbor Towers and the prestigious Four Seasons Place Condominiums, where he mastered the art of exceeding the expectations of its discerning residents as Head Concierge and Condo Manager. As a top-producing residential REALTOR®, that same skill set and his genuine commitment to customer satisfaction and exceptional communication skills are what Rawding’s buyer and seller clients have come to rely upon.
Jim Nemetz said, “We are very pleased to welcome Arthur to Hammond’s experienced Chestnut Hill team, where he will no doubt experience many successes resulting from his abundant professional experience and use of Hammond’s unique marketing platform. Arthur’s knowledge of the downtown Boston market and the many neighborhoods of Boston – in addition to Brookline and Newton – will serve his clients well.”
A longtime Boston resident, Rawding received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the College of William and Mary and a Master’s in Music from New England Conservatory of Music. Active within the community, much of Rawding’s involvement is centered on Boston’s hearty musical life. He has sung with the Handel and Hayden Society and the Boston Baroque Orchestra and Chorus. Additionally, he is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Boston Early Music Festival. When he is not working, Rawding can be found enjoying all that Boston and the surrounding communities have to offer.
Hammond Residential is headquartered in Chestnut Hill, and has three Boston locations and fifteen suburban branch offices. The company reports over two billion dollars in sales volume annually, ranking in sales volume among the top 500 firms in the United States, and as the sixth-highest in mean average sales price and the ninth-highest in sales volume per sales associate. Hammond is well-known as the publisher of the region’s finest magazines featuring local properties for sale. The Chestnut Hill office is also the exclusive Regents representative of the Luxury Real Estate network.
To learn more, please visit www.HammondRE.com.

Harry Norman, REALTORS® Celebrates 85th Anniversary with Gala Event at Atlanta History Center

Posted by Jeanne Shannon

ATLANTA, GA – Harry Norman, REALTORS^®agents, staff and special guests celebrated a historic 85 years of success in residential real estate in Georgia. Over 400 agents attended this impressive event. Proudly serving as Atlanta’s oldest and largest residential real estate firm, Harry Norman, REALTORS^®celebrated the monumental occasion with a gala at the Atlanta History Center. Dan Parmer, CEO of Harry Norman, REALTORS^®, expressed appreciation for everyone’s tremendous efforts in making 2015 a very successful year.
In addition to celebrating the 85^th Anniversary, very special guests included Sam Massell with the Buckhead Coalition, Lewis Glenn with Sea Island Properties, Rick Brinkman II, Jim Floyd and Ann Parker with Harry Norman, REALTORS^®and John Weiland, CEO of The JW Collection.

A very special collaboration was also mentioned during the celebration. Parmer and Weiland were excited to announce the new partnership between The JW Collection and Harry Norman, REALTORS^®.
In addition to the festivities, a check was presented to CURE Childhood Cancer Foundation for $46,476.05. This donation was raised earlier in the month through Harry Norman’s annual Bowl-A-Thon to raise money to fight against childhood cancer.

A highlight of the evening was when many special guests shared their fond memories of Harry Norman in addition to the pride of the company’s continued commitment to the founder, Emmaline Norman’s vision to provide customers with unparalleled service.
Guests enjoyed delicious hors-d’oeuvres provided by Avenue Catering, and everyone was inspired by the incredible magnolia floral arrangements created by Canaan Marshall. Harpist, Lyrika Holmes, provided music at the start of the evening as guests mixed and mingled with champagne. Live music provided by the jazz trio, Elevate The Quest, kept everyone dancing throughout the evening. Photography was provided by The Willetts | Wedding Photography and Dylan York. Valet Parking was provided by National Parking. We would like to thank Modern Luxury for their contribution to making the evening luxurious and memorable.

To learn more about Harry Norman, REALTORS^®, please visit our company website at www.harrynorman.com

wtorek, 1 grudnia 2015

Report identifies 18 areas in the UK with new home development opportunities

There are 18 areas in the UK where economic fundamentals suggest there are good opportunities for developers at a time when the government wants to build more homes than ever. An analysis from international real estate firm Knight Frank and planning consultancy Barton Willmore names them as Leeds, Manchester, York, Durham, Birmingham, Nottingham, Warwick, Leicester, Brentwood, South Cambridgeshire, Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, Exeter, Cherwell, South Oxfordshire, Guildford, Reigate and Banstead and Tunbridge Wells.
Factors examined included economic growth, employment growth, stock to sales ratios, affordability and liveability. These rankings were then placed alongside the latest conditions in the local planning environment as well as local knowledge, to highlight areas which suggest there is the possibility for outperformance for developers, not only in terms of pricing but also market absorption.
Justin Gaze, joint head of residential development at Knight Frank, said developer interest is now much wider than just London. ‘Increasingly, our clients are looking at regional cities and districts for future potential and the report demonstrates from an economic and planning perspective where these development opportunities are likely to be,’ he explained.
According to Iain Painting, planning partner at Barton Willmore, these opportunity areas are aligned with the increased emphasis on urbanisation, focusing on many of England’s key cities, but also demonstrate that development opportunities are not purely based in the South East.
In the North of England it is Manchester and Leeds that are expected to be among the areas which will experience the strongest rates of household growth over the next 10 years, while York scores particularly highly on liveability rankings.
The report suggests that the green belt will pose constraints for developers in and around Durham and York but at the same time, there is a need for more site identification, as these two areas do not yet have a five year land supply. York boasts policies to boost housing supply as it has been identified as one of the first Housing Zones in England.
Meanwhile, Leeds plays host to an Enterprise Zone and the North East Combined Authority, of which Durham is one of the constituent boroughs, has also bid for 175 hectares of Enterprise Zone over 10 sites. The report points out that this new combined authority has just been granted extended powers over housing.
Of the four Development Opportunity areas, only Leeds has an approved local plan and as policymakers push ahead with the ‘Northern Powerhouse’, especially the transport infrastructure to support this, the opportunities in the North of England will widen, it adds.
The report explains that not only does Birmingham have an Enterprise Zone, but also a planning department committed to large scale regeneration of many parts of the city. Nottingham is also an Enterprise Zone area and has a local plan and five year land supply in place. ‘However, our data shows that the current pipeline supply of schemes in this local authority may fall short of household growth projections,’ the report says.
Further south, Warwick scores highly on liveability, and also has strong employment growth forecasts, while strong household growth is projected in Leicester. In the East the arrival of Crossrail in 2018 will make Brentwood, an already attractive area of Essex even more so. Direct trains to Bond Street will take 44 minutes, cutting nearly 10 minutes from the journey time as well as the need to change trains.
The report also points out that Brentwood has one of the strongest forecasts for employment growth, as well as showing one of the largest imbalances between pipeline supply and household growth over the next five years.
South Cambridgeshire also has a particularly strong forecast for employment growth, and has been rated the best place to live in an independent survey of rural locations across the UK. But it does not yet have an approved local plan in place for housing, and has not quite met its five year housing supply. There are questions about whether more green belt land should be released for development.
In the South West both Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset have a local plan and a five year housing supply, and the determination to step up development is underlined by the policy environment, with a local enterprise zone in Bristol’s Temple Quarter. Exeter doesn’t yet have a post NPPF local plan, but has identified three sustainable urban extensions.
The report explains that South East Cherwell and South Oxfordshire will both benefit from transport infrastructure improvements with a new train line taking passengers from Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village to London Marylebone, and a possible new junction to the M40 at Bicester.
Indeed, Bicester has also been identified as a Garden Town, which will translate into more funding and support for housing. ‘The Science Vale in South Oxfordshire is positioning itself as a global hotspot for enterprise and technology. Parts of the Vale have been granted Enterprise Zone status,’ the report adds.
Guildford and Reigate and Banstead are described as being in a position to take advantage of the housing need in the capital. ‘Sitting just beyond the M25, these local authorities, which have strong forecast economic growth over the next five years and which are well above average in the liveability rankings, both have a shortfall in their five year land supply, and Guildford does not yet have an approved local plan in place,’ the report says.
Tunbridge Wells has one of the highest liveability scores in the country and is also forecast to have strong economic growth. The pressure for more housing is well documented, however the report suggests that the green belt is a constraint. There is as yet no local plan in place and there is a shortfall in the identified five year land supply.
The report also explains how there has been a cumulative shortfall in housing of around 330,000 units since 2008. However, the situation is improving. Construction starts in England in the second quarter of this year were 94% higher than in the same quarter in 2009, but there is still some way to go. In the year to July, around 113,000 units were started, down from 152,000 during the same period a decade ago.
Another measure of future activity, pipeline planning, suggests that the upward trend will continue. Data from Glenigan, the construction analysts, shows that there were more than 293,000 units with planning permission across the UK in April this year, up from 253,000 in April last year, and 184,000 in April 2013.
‘However, it is worth noting that there is no guarantee that all schemes with planning will come to fruition, especially due to the increasing number of planning conditions applied to successful planning applications which can affect the final viability of a scheme. Development land prices are also moderating, although this partly reflects the increased costs of development, with a sharp rise in the cost of materials and labour in recent years,’ the report concludes

UK taxman cracks down on property tax avoidance schemes

The UK taxman has collected £301.8 million in unpaid property tax due to what is described as an aggressive clampdown on stamp duty avoidance. HMRC’s new Counter Avoidance Directorate collected the amount in the last year as part of a policy to crackdown on Stamp Duty and Land Tax (SDLT) avoidance schemes.
According to private client law firm Collyer Bristow, the data which was provided to them by HMRC, shows that the policy has been a success.
The Counter Avoidance Directorate was first established in April 2014 in order to bring together HMRC’s work on marketed tax avoidance schemes and policy work on avoidance.

‘The Government’s aggressive clamp down on SDLT avoidance schemes over the last few years is now bearing fruit. The high returns from compliance investigations mean that this area is likely to remain under the spotlight for some time to come,’ said James Badcock, partner at Collyer Bristow.
He pointed out that house prices have soared in recent years- particularly in London and the South East- which means many taxpayers face a substantial SDLT bill on their purchase.
‘Avoidance schemes were being used to reduce SDLT on what for London are relatively modest properties in the £1 million region as well as very high value properties. As well as the Government closing down schemes with legislation, HMRC has tackled previous planning through the disclosure regime, better resourced investigations and litigation,’ he explained.

He also pointed out that whilst in many cases there is likely to be a legal justification for transactions which allowed an SDLT liability to be avoided, HMRC can be expected to challenge the schemes and anyone who is concerned at all should now seek advice.

‘Individuals who decided to engage in the planning because it seemed so easy at the time may not have the stomach for the fight once faced with an HMRC challenge This can be expensive but another critical factor is a climate in which engaging in abusive tax avoidance can cause reputational damage to those in the public eye,’ he added.

Collyer Bristow highlights that changes to the rates of SDLT were introduced in last year’s Autumn Statement. The new rules included the introduction of a graduated rate moving away from the sharp increases resulting from a property just exceeding a threshold which could seem unreasonable.
The change means anyone purchasing a house for less than £937,000 will see SDLT cut or remain the same whilst those buying the most expensive properties are likely to face a higher bill.

New housing commission launched in UK

A new Housing Commission has been launched in the UK to explore new routes to house building so councils can enable the construction of more desperately needed homes. Councils built nine times more homes between 2010 and 2015 than between 2000 and 2005 and are desperate to dramatically increase the availability of new homes in their local areas, according to the Local Government Association.
The LGA said this is vital to building the 230,000 new homes the country needs each year as private developers have not built more than 150,000 homes a year for more than three decades.
The Housing Commission will also explore the importance of effective housing in boosting jobs and growth, helping meeting needs of an ageing population, saving social care and the NHS money, and helping people into work.
It will look at new ways that councils can enable investment in new homes, the role of councils in shaping homes within prosperous places and communities, the role of housing in supporting tenants to find and progress in sustained employment and the role of housing in adapting to an ageing population and preventing onward costs onto social care and health services.
Evidence is sought on the key issues for communities, partners and councils, on good practice that has successfully addressed those issues, and what is needed to build on those successes. Councils, partners, organisations and individuals are invited to contribute their issues, evidence, and examples of effective housing and ideas to the Commission's Advisory Panel, made up of experts and academics.
The Commission will take a medium term view incorporating current housing reforms but will look beyond them in making the case for councils to be able to deliver the homes our communities and places need. Findings will be brought together in a report in Spring 2016 and presented at the LGA Annual Conference in June 2016.
‘We're working with government to ensure housing and planning reforms support council efforts to build more homes and the Housing Commission we are launching today will investigate how the government and councils can help deliver houses to solve our housing shortage,’ said Peter Box, LGA housing spokesman.
‘Councils must be able to play a lead role in building the homes we desperately need, and building the homes in a way that create prosperous places and growth, help people into work and positively adapt to an ageing population,’ he explained.
‘This is the best way to meet local and central government ambitions for our communities, to reduce waiting lists and housing benefit, keep rents low and help more people live long and happy lives,’ he added.

piątek, 13 listopada 2015

LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Analyzes Micro Markets January – September 2015, Signs of Continued Growth

Posted by Brittanny Havard

DENVER, CO - On October 21, 2015, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty released their January through September micro market reports (MMR), which indicated that the Colorado real estate market is showing signs of continued growth in 2015. The MMR compares January through September 2015 statistics, to those of January through September 2014, for single family homes and condos.
“From January through September 2015, Colorado experienced one of the strongest real estate markets in recent history,” said LIV Sotheby’s International Realty president, Scott Webber. “Many of our unique neighborhoods demonstrated an excellent sales performance, reflecting strong consumer enthusiasm for the urban offerings Denver metro, along with the close proximity to year-round recreation offered at nearby resort markets, provides. I foresee the market continuing on an upward trajectory into the New Year.”

LIV SIR compiles micro market reports for the residential areas the brokerage services, which include 11 office locations in Denver metro, including Boulder, Castle Pines, Cherry Creek, Denver Tech Center, Downtown Denver, Evergreen and the resort communities of Breckenridge and the Vail Valley. The report indicates January through September sales volume in Colorado is up across the board; however this is coupled with increased inventory and small price reductions, meaning the market has cooled slightly, yet remains strong.
In Denver metro, the average price of single family homes and condos combined rose 11.7%, resulting in an average price of $360,358, and 40,602 homes sold. In the city of Denver, the average price of single family homes and condos rose 15%, resulting in an average price of $389,540.
Inventory has increased, and the number of new listings coming on the market is up 5.4% in Denver metro and up 3.4% in the City of Denver. Meanwhile, the number of listings sold have increased only 3.3% and 1.5% respectively, making for more choices for buyers than existed during the hotter summer months. Demand remains high however, and prices are still on an upward trend.
Across the board, days on market are dropping (now 22 days on average), and the sales price to list price ratio is also up (averaging more than 100% in some areas), which evidences the still frenzied and hyper-competitive conditions in the marketplace.
Highlights from the January through September 2015 report indicate City of Denver’s average price reached $389,540– up 15%, Downtown’s average price is $509,221 – up 10.8%, Bonnie Brae/Belcaro’s average price is $930,657 – up 13.6%, and Washington Park East’s average price is $1,028,023 – up 30.3%.
The Boulder Area MMR indicates that the average price of single family homes and condos combined rose 10.3% in Boulder County, resulting in an average price of $499,583. In the City of Boulder, single family homes and condos rose 13.7%, resulting in an average price of $659,072.
Inventory has increased, and the number of new listings coming on the market is up 18.7% in Boulder County and up 3.8% in the City of Boulder. Meanwhile, the number of listings sold have increased only 6.2% and 1.3% respectively, making for more choices for buyers than existed during the hotter summer months. Demand remains high however, and prices are still on an upward trend.
LIV Sotheby’s International Realty compiles monthly, quarterly and year-end reports to help consumers make better real estate decisions, whether purchasing or selling a home. Reports can be accessed as www.coloradomarketreports.com. For more information, contact Brittanny Havard, public relations manager, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty at 303.486.3738. To service all of your real estate needs visit www.livsothebysrealty.com.

About LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, the exclusive Board of Regent for the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, has 10 office locations in the Denver Metro and surrounding areas, including Boulder, Castle Pines Village, Cherry Creek, Clayton Street, Denver Tech Center, Downtown Denver, Evergreen and the resort communities of Breckenridge and the Vail Valley. For more information call 303.893.3200. To service all of your real estate needs visit www.livsothebysrealty.com.

Pacific Union Acquires Premier Real Estate Marketing Firm The Mark Company

Posted by Pacific Union

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Pacific Union is thrilled to share the news that we have acquired San Francisco-based The Mark Company, the premier urban residential real estate marketing and sales firm in the Western United States. The acquisition gives our company a stronger foothold in the Bay Area’s new-home market and expands our geographic footprint on the West Coast. TMC_PUI sm

The acquisition, which is scheduled to close on Nov. 2, comes in response to growing buyer demand in large Western U.S. urban areas. While 30,000 new housing units are projected for San Francisco over the next 10 years, about six times that many are necessary to keep pace with intense demand. Similar market conditions exist in other major West Coast metropolitan areas.
“The accelerated growth of new condominium housing in the San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles markets make this acquisition essential to Pacific Union’s vision for continued success,” says Pacific Union CEO Mark A. McLaughlin. “We believe the combined strength of Pacific Union with The Mark Company, the most outstanding brand in the marketing and sales of new-construction homes, will create a new force in residential and mixed-use development marketing and sales.”
Founded in 1997, The Mark Company specializes in providing top-tier marketing and sales support to new urban developments throughout the Western U.S. Besides a strong presence in the Bay Area, The Mark Company’s portfolio includes properties in Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, Las Vegas, Denver, and Dallas.
The Mark Company will continue to operate under its brand name, and the company’s structure will remain intact. The Mark Company President Alan Mark and Executive Vice President and Managing Principal Krysen Heathwood will lead the firm’s innovative team of professionals.
Mark and Heathwood will work closely with Hans Treuenfels and Doug Shaw, executive directors of Pacific Union Sales + Marketing, a business unit that specializes in selling new urban condominiums and homes throughout the West Coast. The acquisition reunites Treuenfels and Shaw with Mark, all of whom have a shared history at Pacific Union dating back to the early days of the company’s brand. Treuenfels and Shaw will assume the titles of principals of the Mark Company.
The acquisition further underscores Pacific Union’s commitment to elite performance and rapid growth. In April, REAL Trends ranked our firm as the ninth-largest residential real estate brokerages in the U.S. based on our 2014 sales volume of $6.75 billion. And for the second consecutive year, Pacific Union moved up the ranks of the Inc. 5000 list, which tracks the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. by revenue growth.

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Gibson International Releases Westside Real Estate Market Report

Posted by Gibson International

LOS ANGELES, CA - Wondering what’s going on in your local market? Our team created a detailed report of residential real estate (single family homes and condos) in Westside communities for Q2 2015. Now that we’re in October, it’s time to track the market trends during Q3 2015 (July 1st – Sept. 30th). In our latest report, we compiled sales data comparing Q3 stats from previous years in areas including Santa Monica, Brentwood, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, and Venice. Each page of the report provides information specific to the individual Westside community, including number of properties sold, average days on market, and sale to list price ratio.
Here are 5 highlights to entice you:

Average price per sqft. is up in Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills Post Office, Beverlywood, Brentwood, Cheviot Hills-Rancho Park, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, Palms-Mar Vista, Santa Monica, Venice, West LA, Westwood-Century City, and Westchester.
Brentwood condos saw a 4% increase in inventory (new listings) and sold in an average of only 48 days.
Sale prices are climbing in West LA; the median sale price of $991,000 for single family homes, represents a 15.30% increase. West LA houses also earned the highest sale to list price ratio of 102.52%
Playa Vista condos are generating the most sold prices over asking with a sale to list price ratio at 101.93%.
The West LA condo market is also strong as the median sold price (765,000) shows a 21.45% spike from the previous quarter.

To read the full report, please click the photo below:

Chase Gives Scouts a Hand with Upcoming Boy Scout Troop 37's Annual Food Drive

Posted by Lora Lashbrook INCLINE VILLAGE, NV – Chase International is pairing up with Boy Scout Troop 37 and Project MANA to help with Scouting for Food, the organizations’ fast-approaching annual food drive, happening on November 7. This is the third year that Chase has partnered with local Boy Scouts to increase outreach and boost donations for regional families in need. Door hangers will be left on area home doorknobs by the Boy Scouts on Saturday, October 31, alerting residents to the planned food collection. The Scouts will then return to pick up requested food items the following Saturday, November 7 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. All donated food will be distributed to families throughout the North Tahoe/Truckee area by Project MANA at its weekly mobile food distribution. Due to the limited size of the troop, door tags will be left at all homes located north of Lake Tahoe, east of Hwy. 431 and west of Country Club Drive. Residents living outside that area are encouraged to call 775.298.1856 in advance to request a special pickup. Reminder calls are available upon request using the same phone number. If residents miss the pick-up time for the planned Scouting for Food campaign, items can be dropped off at Chase International’s Incline Village office at 917 Tahoe Blvd., Suite 100. Food items needed include canned fruits, canned vegetables, canned tuna, nuts, peanut butter, dry pasta, soup, chili, instant oatmeal, rice, and dried beans (no glass containers and no expired items please). “Chase International is honored to partner with Boy Scout Troop 37 again this year, to assist with this important program that helps feed local families that are struggling,” said Jenny Johnson, team broker for Chase’s Incline office. “The Scouting for Food program is right in line with Chase’s heart-centered real estate philosophy.” For information on the food drive, call 775.831.7300. About Chase International Headquartered in Lake Tahoe, Nevada since 1986, with nine offices in the region (Zephyr Cove, Glenbrook, Incline Village, Tahoe City, Squaw Valley, Truckee, South Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley and Reno) and one in London, England, Chase International and its exclusive affiliations handles a large share of the country’s property. With 310 professional Realtors® boasting an array of industry certifications and the highest volume per sales agent in the area, Chase International successfully represents homes at all price levels. For more information, visit www.chaseinternational.com.

Chase Gives Scouts a Hand with Upcoming Boy Scout Troop 37's Annual Food Drive

Avatar Real Estate Services’ Josie Wang Awarded by the American Cancer Society as Inner Circle of Twelve Honoree

Posted by Rochelle Fraga MIAMI, FL - Avatar Real Estate Services is proud to recognize it’s very own Josie Wang as an inductee into the American Cancer Society’s ‘Inner Circle of Twelve.’ Recognized for her tireless and unyielding support and commitment to the American Cancer Society, Josie Wang is a fierce advocate and philanthropic contributor to the charity. The 8th annual luncheon took place on Friday, October 23rd at the JW Marriott Marquiz in Downtown Miami. Yolanda Berkowitz, Alexandra Villoch, Victoria Cummock and Ana Cisneros were among the 12 high-profile co-recipients that joined Josie Wang. “It is truly an honor to be recognized by the American Cancer Society, an organization that does amazing work and a national leader in the fight against cancer. I am pleased to support its charitable endeavors through time, talent and treasure,” said Josie Wang. Real Estate power broker Josie Wang is a leader in the South Florida market, surpassing $1.9 Billion in sales and representing Miami’s movers and shakers, key business executives and international dignitaries. A rainmaker, Josie’s distinguished legacy of success has propelled her as one of the top 100 Realtors in the nation and afforded her countless awards and accolades. Born and educated in China, Josie’s heritage has instilled a heightened level of compassion and respect for humanity with a tradition of charitable giving. Raised to be ‘strong, noble and kind,’ Josie is an exemplary leader in the community and Avatar is proud to have her as a partner of its luxury brokerage firm. Josie Wang can be reached at 305.666.9759 or at JosieWangcb@yahoo.com. About Avatar Real Estate Services, LLC Avatar Real Estate Services, LLC continues to redefine the luxury Real Estate market in South Florida by providing clients with unparalleled personalized services delivered by the area’s most accomplished, knowledgeable, and respected Real Estate professionals. World-class client care is our focus, and we deliver this personal service through shared values, high ethical standards, and extensive knowledge of our truly unique luxury market. For additional information, visit www.AvatarFlorida.com.

Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate's Network Expands with the Addition of Windermere Real Estate on San Juan Island

Posted by Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate SEATTLE, WA – Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate is proud to announce the new addition of Windermere Real Estate on San Juan Island to their ever-expanding network of elite brokerages. Encompassing the San Juan Islands, with its main office in the quaint seaport village of Friday Harbor, Windermere is recognized as the premier real estate company representing the very best island properties. With a strong presence in one of the world’s most beautiful archipelagos, their brokerage holds some of the most unique and high-profile listings in San Juan County. As a member of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, Windermere will benefit from having these exceptional properties highlighted on LuxuryRealEstate.com, a Webby award-winning website with several times more $1,000,000+ content of any near-peer. Brokers at Windermere excel at providing the highest level of service to clients and customers, which makes them the perfect fit in the Who’s Who network of the world’s finest high-end real estate professionals. The Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate network extends membership invitations to brokers and firms who consistently demonstrate expertise in the marketing of luxury properties. To be eligible for membership, brokers/firms must list and sell in the top 10 percent of their market and provide a two-year sales and listing history, references and marketing examples. Windermere Real Estate on San Juan Island is proven to be in the top of their market and with the power of the Who’s Who network behind them, they have even more tools at their disposal to deliver the best results. For more information on Windermere Real Estate on San Juan Island, please visit www.WindermereSJI.com. About LuxuryRealEstate.com LuxuryRealEstate.com, a Webby Award Honoree, has been voted ‘Best of the Web’ by Forbes magazine multiple times, praised by the International Herald Tribune, Town & Country, The Wall Street Journal and has been ranked ‘Best Website’ by consumer surveys. Since its debut in 1995, LuxuryRealEstate.com has remained the #1 portal for luxury properties on the internet and has several times more $1,000,000+ content of any near-peer. Known in the industry since 1986 as the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate network, a global collection of the finest luxury real estate brokers in the world, this group of more than 130,000 professionals in more than 85 countries collectively sells in excess of $190 billion of real estate annually. Members are selected by Chairman/Publisher John Brian Losh, one ofREALTOR Magazine's 25 Most Influential People in Real Estate and broker of fine properties and estates through his Seattle-based brokerage firm, Ewing & Clark, Inc. Luxury Real Estate has been recognized by the Webby Awards, has received “Best of the Web” by Forbes Magazine, honored with an ADDY Award for Excellence in Web Design, deemed “Best Website” by consumer surveys, ranked in the Inc. 5000 List, noted as one of the 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies by Puget Sound Business Journal, and recognized by the Maggie Awards.

Former LinkedIn Exec Tapped to Lead Compass’ expansion

Posted by Amy Swinderman of Inman Article originally published by Inman NEW YORK CITY, NY - Former LinkedIn executive Christina Allen will lead the technology development efforts and further the national expansion of New York-based Compass. Launched in 2013, Compass provides comprehensive brokerage services and hopes to leverage technology to make the homebuying experience more seamless. Former LinkedIn executive Christina Allen will lead the technology development efforts and further the national expansion of New York-based Compass. Allen brings to Compass more than 25 years of experience in business technology development and most recently served as LinkedIn’s director of product management, where she led the product team in building tools for the LinkedIn Alumni program, which helps students in each professional milestone, from college selection to their first job. “I am excited to be part of the innovative team at Compass, and look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the company,” Allen said. Allen will help build new data tools and business-to-business technology platforms to enable Compass’ expansion into new national markets. The brokerage currently serves New York City, Brooklyn, the Hamptons, Miami, Boston and Washington, D.C., but is currently eyeing other markets, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. “We are thrilled that Christina has joined us during such an exciting time for Compass. Her excellent leadership skills, creative abilities, in-depth knowledge and strategic business drive will be invaluable resources as Compass continues to grow nationally,” said Compass Founder and CEO Robert Reffkin. Launched in 2013, Compass provides comprehensive brokerage services and hopes to leverage technology to make the homebuying experience more seamless. The company recently celebrated several milestones, including the doubling of its sales volume in exclusive listings to more than $1 billion and reaching more than $2.5 billion in its new development pipeline. Compass recently raised $50 million in funding, bringing its total fundraising to date to $123 million. The brokerage is currently valued at $800 million.

Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate Network Strengthens Global Influence with Addition of ONYX Realty in Thailand

Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate Network Strengthens Global Influence with Addition of ONYX Realty in Thailand Posted by Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate SEATTLE, WA USA – Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate continues its global expansion with the addition of ONYX Realty to its prestigious network of the finest real estate brokerages and individuals in the world. ONYX Realty is located in Koh Samui, Thailand and specializes in luxury properties for sale and vacation rentals in Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok. ONYX Realty is made up of a multilingual team available by phone, email, and social media any time of day. They understand that every listing is unique – whether it is a traditional Thai, a modern contemporary, or an exotic Balinese style villa – and each deserves serious commitment and bespoke service by the listing agents. ONYX Realty also offers personalized villa management packages to private home and development owners, fully maintaining Thai properties, managing bookings, and negotiating contracts with agents. As ONYX Realty joins like-minded professionals in the luxury real estate field across the world, they will have the ability to showcase their properties on LuxuryRealEstate.com, a Webby award-winning website with several times more $1,000,000+ content of any near-peer, as well as make valuable connections to others within the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate network. For more information on Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate, visit www.LuxuryRealEstate.com. For more information about ONYX Realty, visit www.onyxthailand.com. About LuxuryRealEstate.com LuxuryRealEstate.com, frequently ranked ‘Best Website’ in consumer and industry surveys, has been recognized for excellence by the WMA Awards and the Webby Awards and has been voted ‘Best of the Web’ by Forbes magazine multiple times. Since its debut in 1995, LuxuryRealEstate.com has remained the #1 portal for luxury properties on the internet and has several times more $1,000,000+ content of any near-peer. Known in the industry since 1986 as the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate network, a global collection of the finest luxury real estate brokers in the world, this group of more than 130,000 professionals with properties in more than 70 countries, collectively sells in excess of $190 billion of real estate annually. Members are selected by Chairman/Publisher John Brian Losh, one of REALTOR Magazine’s 25 Most Influential People in Real Estate and broker of fine properties through his Seattle-based brokerage firm, Ewing & Clark, Inc. The company has also been recognized by the Maggie Awards, received an ADDY Award for excellence in Web Design, ranked in the Inc. 5000 List and named as one of the 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies by the Puget Sound Business Journal.

The Agency Releases 2015 Los Angeles Prime Residential Report Posted by LuxuryRealEstate.com BEVERLY HILLS, CA - The Agency has published their third quarter market report for the Los Angeles area. Real estate in LA’s prime markets continued to climb in value during the third quarter. Condos achieved, yet again, their highest price point ever as measured by average price per square foot, and single-family residences closed the period just shy of record-breaking Q2-15 valuations, at $914/SF. SFR sales volumes, which are typically lighter during the summer months compared to the strong springtime selling season, recorded their 7th consecutive quarter-over-quarter gains, with 993 $1MM+ homes trading hands. What we are most proud of this quarter, however, is The Agency’s achievement as The Wall Street Journal’s most outstanding brokerage in LA County, as measured by the number of agents represented in the country’s top 250 realtors. In its 2015 Top 1,000 Real Estate Professionals rankings, The Wall Street Journal ranked 20 of The Agency’s associates among the best of the best in the U.S. in several categories. While we are both the youngest and the smallest of the organizations with more than one agent on the list, The Agency led all LA County brokerages with a staggering 13 agents represented on The Journal’s Top 250 Individuals by sales volume To read the full report, please click the photo below:

Yasemin McLaury of Brazen Sotheby's International Realty Sells Beautiful Medina Estate for $5,625,000 in 4 days Posted by Taylor Brazen BELLEVUE, WA - Yasemin McLaury of Brazen Sotheby's International Realty just sold a beautiful Medina Estate for $5,625,000 in 4 days! Period architecture, inspired by the design of Marie Antoinette’s hamlet within Versailles. Custom-built home with quality finishes and craftsmanship you won't often find. Extraordinary kitchen with floor-to-ceiling Carrera marble, La Canche range, multiple subzeros, huge butler’s pantry and chef’s office. European wide-plank hardwoods, Waterworks fixtures throughout, covered outdoor area with fireplace, formal living, dining and wine room. Playroom with loft, den/library, au pair suite. About Brazen Sotheby's International Realty Since 1993, Brazen Real Estate has impressed buyers and sellers alike with unmatched expertise and a reliable presence in the Pacific Northwest real estate community. It’s why our clients trust us and consider us the most knowledgeable and personable brokers in the region. We balance a local, neighborly feel with a global, well-connected network. We are positive, honest, relevant and creative when it comes to providing your real estate solution. Our clients become our very good friends-a result of the trust we establish in working with you. Forging significant relationships is one of the joys of our profession. We believe in having fun at work and we work while we are having fun.

Eric Wagenknecht, of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, to Lead Real Estate Operations at the Club at Cordillera

Posted by Brittanny Havard

DENVER, CO - LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (LIV SIR) is pleased to announce the addition of Eric Wagenknecht to its quality Vail Valley team. In Vail, he will lead real estate operations at The Club at Cordillera, the nationally recognized golf and residence club at which LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (LIV SIR) recently announced their exclusive association with in October.

“We are proud to have Eric representing the magnificent homes located at Cordillera,” said Dan Fitchett Jr. managing broker of LIV SIR’s Vail, Beaver Creek and Edwards offices. “Eric is extremely active in the outdoors and he is enthusiastic about the lifestyle experience Cordillera represents. He will provide a great service to home owners there.”
Wagenknecht will serve as the on-site real estate liaison to Club homeowners, providing direct, all-encompassing, real estate services to owners, in addition to providing Cordillera Club members and Club visitor’s access to tour and preview Cordillera listings with ease.
A long-time resident of the Vail Valley, Wagenknecht brings over 20 years of real estate construction experience to LIV Sotheby’s International Realty and The Club at Cordillera, and specializes in luxury properties and development projects.
“I am very excited about strengthening the relationship between two of the Vail Valley's most iconic brands, LIV Sotheby's International Realty and The Club at Cordillera,” said LIV SIR broker, Eric Wagenknecht. “The unmatched marketing and internationally recognized appeal of the LIV Sotheby's International Realty organization and the luxury ski and golf lifestyle embodied by the Cordillera experience represent an exciting future for both of these dynamic organizations. I'm honored to play a role in their continued success.”
Each Clubhouse within The Club at Cordillera will feature high definition television screens showcasing local Cordillera listings, in addition to Sotheby’s International Realty listings from around the world, providing Club at Cordillera members and residence owner’s maximum global exposure.

The LIV Sotheby’s International Realty brokerage is the exclusive Board of Regent for the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, and has 11 offices spanning Denver Metro and the surrounding areas, including Boulder, Castle Pines Village, Cherry Creek, Denver Tech Center, Downtown Denver, Evergreen and the resort communities of Vail, Beaver Creek, and Breckenridge.
For more information, contact LIV Sotheby’s International Realty broker, Eric Wagenknecht, Vail Valley, at 970.306.3746. To service all of your real estate needs visit www.livsothebysrealty.com.

About LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, the exclusive Board of Regent for the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, has 10 office locations in the Denver Metro and surrounding areas, including Boulder, Castle Pines Village, Cherry Creek, Clayton Street, Denver Tech Center, Downtown Denver, Evergreen and the resort communities of Breckenridge and the Vail Valley. For more information call 303.893.3200. To service all of your real estate needs visit www.livsothebysrealty.com.

Michael LaPay of Summit Sotheby’s International Realty Announce Sale of Park City Home for $3,375,000

Posted by Joe Averett

PARK CITY, UT – Summit Sotheby’s International Realty and Michael LaPay are proud to announce the sale of 2200 Morning Star #D in Park City, Utah. The original list price was $3,375,000.
"Masterfully designed and remodeled home in the heart of Thaynes Canyon is nestled on a hillside, in a desirably tranquil and private cul-de-sac location. The residence is beautifully appointed to create and upscale, yet comfortable floor plan that is great for entertaining and day-to-day living. Warm painted walls, wood floors, high ceilings and thoughtful details create a style as timeless as the stunning ski run views. The calming mountain vista, captured through the extensive use of glass, will help you truly relax. Two spacious islands, in the large chef's kitchen, offer easy meal preparation and serving. The effortless flow to the dining, great room and outdoor living spaces maximizes the entertaining possibilities. Complete with two social areas, two offices, two laundry areas and four fireplaces, it still retains the value of peaceful living while being conveniently close to shops, schools and plenty of restaurants."

Contact Michael at 435.649.1884 to schedule a professional consultation, or for more information on this sale and Park City real estate. For more information on Summit Sotheby’s International Realty, visit www.summitsothebysrealty.com.