The current economic market as a whole may not be an accurate reflection of some markets. Though news and government organizations insist that the market is in the midst of stagnation and that roughly 72 percent of Americans believe our nation is headed in the wrong direction, some argue that the luxury market has not been affected by downward economic trends. The mood and spending trends seem to be less affected by the economy as a whole, but by the trends of the stock market. The top 10 percent of earners are historically more optimistic and confident in their spending and investing.

A good reflection of the luxury markets, whether it is cars, homes or luxury goods, is based on the success of luxury brands. These brands, like Hermes, Ferrari and Tiffany’s, have reported increasing sales for 2011. Many companies also expect continually increasing profits over the coming years. Often customers of these high-end brands are not affected by economic downturns like lower income individuals are. This being said, many affluent individuals have refused to change their spending habits despite downward international market trends. Many companies have put out precautionary statements warning that even though estimates point to increasing numbers, the luxury market is not immune to downward trends.  

Blog and Photo via JustLuxe

As the Southern Nevada real estate market continues to climb back, one of Las Vegas' most prominent high-end realtors says the luxury market segment may be the leading indicator that the market is rebounding.

"It has been an outstanding year and all signs are pointing to an improving market," said Jackie Bustios, Broker/Owner of Portfolio Realty Group.

Bustios points to two of her recent transactions: a Southern Highlands Estate sold for $6,000,000 ($567 per foot) and a home in The Ridges in Summerlin that is currently in escrow for $6,150,000 ($624 per foot) which is set to close this week.

Bustios said the market's continued improvement has made her investor clients switch strategies from quick turnaround buy/sell to buy-and-hold in order take advantage of rising prices.  

One investor, Lacy Harber from Texas, has bought several high-end homes in Las Vegas, paying cash for each, and then invested additional resources refurbishing and re-decorating the homes to match their high-end status. Harber has only a select few of these special homes on the market, holding some inventory back as the luxury home market starts to rise. Harber doesn't need to sell and is waiting on the right price for his high-end real estate holdings.  

"There are cycles that occur in the real estate market that dictate methods and strategies that are most useful for growing wealth through real estate ownership," said Bustios. "Now is the time that savvy real estate investors are practicing the buy-and-hold strategy to optimize their equity." Bustios added buyers for high-end homes remain active, particularly when it comes to unique Las Vegas properties.

"When you combine one of the most exciting metropolitan cities in the world, a great climate and unique, luxury real estate, few areas in the country can match Southern Nevada," she said.

Photo: once of Bustios' properties at 5100 Spanish Heights Drive in Las Vegas, Nevada.

About Portfolio Realty Group: Portfolio Realty Group offers a vast knowledge of the marketplace combined with a results-driven approach, experienced real estate professionals and personalized client services, which have proven effective when it comes to helping our valued clients meet their real estate needs. Specializing in the marketing and sale of luxury homes and international properties, Portfolio Realty Group has many state-of-the-art tools and options available to assist in buying or selling luxury properties, which includes the resources of broad national and international relationships. Visit them online at www.PortfolioRealtyGroup.com.

via www.joanpletcher.com

An Ocala resident since 1985, Joan Pletcher can honestly say Marion County is just as friendly today as it was when she moved here. "The Thoroughbred business brought my husband and I to Ocala and people went out of their way to make us feel welcome and they haven't changed one bit." Of course, these days Joan has become a part of the network of welcoming Ocalans through her involvement with Payton Training Center, the Florida Horse Park, Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce, Monroe Hospital, and connecting people with properties.

Personally as well as professionally Joan is extremely dynamic choosing to specialize in estates, training centers, ranches and major parcels of land.

"I love turning raw land into a development," she says. "Not one where they bulldoze everything and squeeze in as many houses as possible. I'm talking about the kind of development that saves the trees and the integrity of the land to give people a home where everything is just perfect."

Then again, that's what Joan is all about -- making people happy and often times that requires more than just selling property. On more than one occasion Joan has been connecting properties with property managers, etc.

With her infectious laugh, pure southern hospitality, generous spirit and deep-seeded work ethic, it's no wonder the people she works with usually become close friends. "When I represent a piece of property it becomes a part of me. Whether buying or selling, my goal is to have happy and satisfied customers while maintaining the integrity of my business."

To view Joan's listings on the duPont REGISTRY Homes website, click here.

For Joan's contact information, visit her website here.