It is a happy observation that market conditions are showing huge signs of improvement. Luxury Real Estate Broker Ari Albinder of Mizner Grande Realty, Inc., in Boca Raton, Fla., has seen a huge demand for new construction now, much like there was in 2005. According to Albinder, “The market is back strong again.”

And now is one of the best times to buy. Historically low mortgage rates of 2.6-3.2 percent interest rates and extremely reasonable prices on all real estate have buyers flocking to Boca Raton from all over the country – and even the world. Boca Raton’s pristine sandy beaches, renown shopping, fine dining and multicultural reputation attracts buyers from countries like Venezuela, China and Russia. 

The year-round sunny Florida weather makes Boca Raton a desirable destination. It is perfect to enjoy everything from the beach to golf, tennis, parks, boating, fishing and an a variety of other outdoor activities. 

Albinder currently has a magnificent property on the market in Tropic Isle – one of Delray Beach, Florida’s most prestigious waterfront communities. This home has the highest level standard of design, workmanship and luxury details throughout, with many of the rooms offering panoramic waterfront views. Enter the 12,500-square-foot home through towering mahogany double doors. The 6-bedroom home has a formal living and dining room, chef’s kitchen with opening to a morning room and family room, library, club room and media room, guest master suite, sitting room and his and her marble spa baths and wardrobes. There is also a third-floor walk-up to a unique observation level with an even more breathtaking water view. Outside is a beautiful grand loggia and resort-style entertainment area with infinity pool overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway with a 4-bay garage and 144-feet of protected yacht dockage. This gorgeous luxury home is priced to sell at $5.75 million.

Over the past year, real estate market conditions have changed dramatically. Especially in Boca Raton, Fla., inventory at the luxury level has been reduced, and while there are new luxury listings being added to the market, there are many more prospective buyers hunting South Florida’s waterfront enclaves. According to luxury real estate expert John List, who is also Vice President and Broker Associate of Lang Luxury Living in Boca Raton, many foreign buyers still find South Florida a value. They appreciate the international flavor and ethnicity South Florida offers through gourmet restaurants and a wide array of entertainment options such as sports, music, drama and art. The ever-popular international boat shows continue to draw a vast audience from the United States and other countries. “There are also three international airports and seaports between Miami and Palm Beaches, adding to the ease of access for [foreign] buyers,” says List.

In the last year, List had the opportunity to sell the most expensive resale property in Lighthouse Point – one of the area’s most impressive yachting enclaves between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton. This Asian Zen-inspired home was custom built in 2005 and boasts a true “trophy point” with southeast exposure. It had more than 13,000 total square feet with a captain’s quarters above the 9-car garage. The floors are made of bamboo and rough-cut slate and the designer finishes are like those found on a high-end yacht. Magnificent wood accents all the formal and informal areas of the home. The property was listed at $5.9 million and sold for $5.65 million.

Currently List has one of the finest sportsman’s compounds offered for sale in South Florida. “Also located on a southeast lot in Lighthouse Point, this property, offered at $5.5 million, boasts approximately 370-feet of seawall,” says List. “There is a Har-Tru tennis court directly on the Intracoastal Waterway – lighted for night play – and an elegant transitional 5-bedroom home that has been meticulously renovated.” This property is priced under other area properties that have less water frontage and interior exposure and views, making this property and its incredible location second-to-none. “It’s a tremendous value even in today’s suppressed market,” says List.

While Miami has always been known for its Cuban flavor, the Miami of today has evolved into a multi-cultural, multi-lingual hub of commerce, art and recreation; a delicious confluence of French, Asian, Russian, Haitian and Latin Americans to mention just a few.

"Miami is extremely international," says Vivian Serralta of Re/Max United Realty. "I enjoy being a Realtor in a dynamic market of various cultures and lifestyles. People come to Miami for the beaches and nightlife, then they fall in love with area. It is ever changing, always exciting, and offers something for everyone."

This includes everything from jet-setting entrepreneurs opening new business offices to Europeans looking for luxurious second homes and snowbirds tired of mud season.

What's the attraction?

For all its glamour and cosmopolitan air, real estate in Miami is still modestly priced. "Compare it to New York, Chicago, San Francisco, or any place in Europe," says Serralta. "not only is it less expensive, you get more for your money." 

There is star struck South Beach with its fabulous hotels and vibrant nightlife and Downtown Miami with the Performing Arts Center and upcoming Museum Park. In fact, beyond the sparkling ocean, glorious sunshine and unrivaled party scene, Miami has come into its own as a mecca for the arts. It is the home of the eight day literary party known as the Miami Book Fair International as well as Art Basel, the most prestigious art show in the Americas. Add to that not one, but four professional sports teams and you have the definition of a "Magic City."

It's sexy, it's hot, and not surprisingly, "the luxury market is booming," Serralta says. 

Take the 10,000 square foot beauty on close to an acre that she's listed in the beautiful suburban village of Pinecrest, the hidden gem that many Miami celebrities call home.

The gated, two-story, six-bedroom home on the village's prestigious north side features wonderful entertaining space, a gorgeous kitchen, both open and covered balconies off elegantly-scaled main rooms and bedrooms, a sweeping entry courtyard, and a fabulous pool.

"The right balance of modern and old-world, it is sleek and very clean in style. The home is luxurious without ostentation," she says.

Un peu de Français, un po' di italiano, um pouco do Brasil -- in other words, the ultimate Euro-chic residence in the perfect location.

Miami, Florida is a multicultural destination and a true testament to the sizzling city that has raised the bar for international playgrounds everywhere. With a variety of waterfront property on the market, the city offers homes that will meet the demands of even the most discriminating buyers.

Jill Eber and Jill Hertzberg have been business partners in their famed city home for nearly 20 years. The “Jills” have seen the transformation of the Miami market, and have a finger on the pulse as cool ocean front high-rises like the St. Regis plan on opening their doors to the public-all while building a solid business from the ground up and creating invaluable bonds in the community.

“There’s a synergy that has worked so well for us over the years,” says Jill Eber. “When people come to us, between the two of us, we have the combined knowledge of the entire market.”

In fact, the Coldwell Banker real estate duo has been known to work with the A-list, representing homes on some of the most exclusive areas such as Fisher, Sunset, Star, Indian Creek , and La Gorce Islands. Just in 2012, the Jills closed at $450 million, and show no signs of slowing down in 2013.

“I think that Miami is still an opportunity in relationship to other metropolitan cities. Our prices are still a deal for people in the heart of Manhattan,” says Jill Hertzberg. “You can’t even find a single family waterfront home there, but those exist here.”

One property in this category is the exquisite townhouse at the 40-story hotel Setai. This 3,650-square-foot oceanfront bi-level unit oozes Miami chic, from the lofty walls of floor to ceiling glass to the all-white interiors. Luxurious upgrades include remote control lighting in all rooms, sleek lacquer cabinetry in the kitchen, and blackout curtains for the utmost in privacy.

While the nightlife, shopping, and white powder beaches make Miami a destination, but the people make the oceanfront city an international escape. Whether it’s strolling down South Beach’s famed Collins Avenue or soaking up sunshine at a private beach club, Miami’s international appeal is evident in the people and homes that make the city one-of-a-kind.  

Part 1

Reaching international buyers is increasingly becoming a significantly component of your luxury real estate marketing practice.  For that reason it is important to understand what luxury means to those in foreign countries because it can vary dramatically.  But, what you will find is a common thread shared between luxury real estate buyers worldwide.  Thoroughly understanding this universal principle can help you accelerate the speed of trust with all new clients and also can give you a tremendous competitive edge. 

In our own strategic branding practice for luxury real estate agents and brokers worldwide we constantly look for new definitions of luxury.  We found this very profound definition in the primary title of a book written by Jean Philippe Warren, professor of sociology and anthropology at Concordia University in Canada:  Le Supplément d’ âme (“the supplement of the soul”).  We interpret this as “that which feeds or adds to the soul”. 

And, herein lies, the universal principle that can help you understand luxury buyers and better speak their language.  You need to determine, what feeds the soul of your client!  

In this article series we will provide you with the clues to watch for when you first meet your luxury buyer by phone, via email or in person. Identifying this vital value profile can propel you to make more sales and exponentially expand your referral base. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series!

This blog posting has been provided by Ron and Alexandra Seigel, the Language of Luxury Community Founders and managing partners of Napa Consultants, International, the leading luxury real estate strategic marketing firm. They specialize in personal and company branding, luxury real estate website design and social media marketing. Photos courtesy of Ron and Alexandra.

This one of a kind Mediterranean style historic gem offers unmatched character and beauty. The home consists of a spacious master suite, 5 additional bedrooms & 4 full baths. A dining area flanked by adjoining kitchens and a walk in pantry leads to a bright and airy living room. The living room opens to a walled courtyard through French doors. On the water side of the home the family room with pecky cypress vaulted ceiling leads to an oversized porch, pool and the rare 50 foot boathouse on Boca Grande Bayou across from the historic Gasparilla Inn and Club golf course. This home is on a double lot and is truly a must see!!! Interested buyers can contact Bill Morton and Peter Sieglaff of Gulf to Bay Sotheby's at 941-270-1133 or 941-270-2929.

As you approach this magnificent F. Burrall Hoffman Spanish style home you can sense the quality of this solidly constructed rare estate with exceptional privacy and superb vistas and sweeping grounds that will generate a lifetime of joy and wonderful memories. This timeless beach front estate consisting of over 1.2 acres, offers two entrances, two residences, spanning along the Gulf of Mexico with 223' of pristine beach. A journey through the past begins as you enter through the stucco archway with a wrought iron gate. Linger in the coquina rock courtyard with pool and fountain before entering the main level through mahogany doors that offer plenty of charm and splendor. This entire estate offers over a total of 9,320 square feet. The main house presents five bedrooms, five and two half baths, high ceilings with Cypress beams, Mexican/Terrazzo flooring, four fireplaces with decorative mantles, and an exquisite formal dining room. The great room features over-sized windows, arches over French doors with interior shutters that frame a serene view of unending teal blue waters. The downstairs master bedroom offers a dressing room, and separate sitting room with prominent arched windows. Exterior staircase to the second floor presents three bedrooms, one and a half baths, and a fireplace. This one-of-a-kind estate encompasses the main residence, separate his/her office, a two story - one bedroom guest house, and a spectacular additional waterfront vacant lot. This truly exceptional compound is unique to Boca Grande. Interested buyers can contact Donna Moore with Gulf to Bay Sotheby's at 941-456-5556.

Sarasota and her islands present a paradisiacal setting that will make one feel miles away from it all- with the convenience of a world-class city just a short drive away.

Sarasota and her keys offer opportunities to own waterfront property situated on the temperate waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Sarasota’s islands include Longboat, Lido, Siesta (voted numerous times "Best Beach in the United States") and Casey Keys, and feature some of the greatest architecture and homes in the area. While each key has its own style, these islands capture everything the quintessential beach lifestyle should, including 360-degree water views, miles of sandy beach, and local favorite restaurants. 

Boasting deepwater boating, fishing, tennis and sugar white sands, Longboat Key, in particular, epitomizes an active outdoor lifestyle in an elegant setting.  Whether you’re kayaking, paddle boarding, or prefer more of a passenger role, beautiful surroundings will inspire you to get outdoors.  Golf fans will be delighted by the Longboat Key Club’s 45-holes of golf surrounded by idyllic waterfront views.

With three universities, a nationally acclaimed art museum, symphony, boutique shopping, and arguably one of finest yacht clubs in the state, Sarasota is a thriving and vibrant community.

“We like to think of Sarasota as the big city on the West coast that has maintained it small town atmosphere,” says Coldwell Banker Previews associate Judy Kepecz-Hays.

Kepecz-Hays has been representing homes in the Sarasota area for 34 years. She notes that people come from all areas of the world to Sarasota and her islands to enjoy the lifestyle.

With her real estate sales exceeding $40 million in 2012 alone, Kepecz-Hays has collectively sold $1 billion dollars in the Sarasota market since 1978. She brings unparalleled knowledge and expertise of her market to her clients, and remains passionate about the city she calls home.

Kepecz-Hays notes the sheer beauty of Sarasota and her islands as awe-inspiring. A combination of an above average quality of life, laid-back lifestyle, and an amazing setting work together to qualify the area as a dream destination. 

Simply put: “It is wonderful to live in an area where others go on vacation, because vacationers are always happy,” says Kepecz-Hays.

Courtesy of The Shop

Do you want to stand out from your competition and become the breakaway luxury real estate marketing brand in your area? The most effective real estate personal and company branding involves identifying an uncontested or under served market niche that you can dominate.  But, to become the breakaway brand you must offer a remarkable value proposition that catches the attention of the media and sparks word-of-mouth advertising or “buzz” among your fans.  

With the Internet making real estate market information ubiquitous most luxury real estate marketing professionals find it very difficult to differentiate themselves from their competition.  They are usually hard-pressed if asked to articulate how they are different or better, how they stand out.   If you are having this challenge, you are not alone! 

Another word for market niche is market “category”.  Categories are easy to understand in the restaurant business: fast food, Mexican, Chinese, steak house, etc.  You can imagine how difficult it is to find an uncontested restaurant category if you just think about the usual suspects.  Most restaurant categories are usually over-crowded in larger towns.  But, here is a example of how a new restaurant in Santa Barbara, California has positioned itself to become the breakaway brand in an uncontested new category. 

Recently, a friend of ours told us about a fantastic new informal breakfast and lunch only restaurant in Santa Barbara called The Shop.  It looks like a fast food restaurant where you order from a posted menu and they bring your order to the table.  You can sit indoors or on a patio with picnic tables and umbrellas.  But, the quality of the fresh ingredients, and the caliber of the menu items, including home-baked breads, is what you would expect at a full service restaurant for double the price. 

The four owners of The Shop identified a much-under served market:  Foodies who want the quality of “slow food, fast”!  They really struck the right chord with us.  We needed a lunch place that had great food with an original, varied menu that was inexpensive enough to visit often.  They must have read our minds. We have become raving fans.  Evidently, we are not alone as the place is packed every day, so we learned it was best to get there before the crowds. 

Did you pick up on how The Shop is able to articulate, in just three words, their new brand category in Santa Barbara as well as their extraordinary promise of value: SLOW FOOD, FAST? They really thought this through and that makes it easy for fans to spread the word.  It facilitates word-of-mouth advertising, which is one of the most important reasons to get your personal or company branding spot on in your luxury real estate marketplace.

This blog posting has been provided by Ron and Alexandra Seigel, the Language of Luxury Community Founders and managing partners of Napa Consultants, International, the leading luxury real estate strategic marketing firm. They specialize in personal and company branding, luxury real estate website design and social media marketing. Photos courtesy of Ron and Alexandra.

Deep in the heart of central Florida lies Ocala, a place where few palm trees are to be seen... but "Oh! Those grand-daddy live oaks!" croons realtor Joan Pletcher.

These century old giants line scenic roads, wind through undulating hills, and create a shady canopy over trails often ending at crystal springs.

"That's what's unique about Ocala," says the realtor. "You don't think you're in Florida. But you can be in Orlando or Tampa in an hour, and Gainesville in thirty minutes."

Known as the Horse Capitol of the World, this Marion County town has more than 600 farms and fifty breeds including thoroughbreds, fox trotters,  Arabians, quarter horses, and Paso Finos, a smaller horse that Pletcher says has "a gait so smooth you can carry a glass of water." 

Traversed by the Cross Florida Greenway, Ocala features paths for hiking, biking, and running, superb golfing, and miles of trail for riding. The centerpiece, though, is the Florida Horse Park, which offers international caliber competitions that draw top competitors from every discipline -- from dressage to polo.

Pletcher knows her horses. Her husband J.J. has been training thoroughbreds here since 1985 and step-son Todd has famously won both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont. 

She also knows her turf.

Now on offer: Town and Country Farms at Rabbit Hill, a 561 acre estate that includes a 172 acre equine facility with barns, paddocks, private offices, and an aqua treadmill.

Exquisitely built and designed for entertaining, the French Provincial main house offers sweeping views of meadows and pond from a commanding, 200 foot elevation.

The 12,000 square foot custom-built residence features a designer kitchen, a fabulous butler's pantry, and a vast living room with glass doors opening to an infinity pool and entertainment center.  A covered walk-way leads to a two bedroom guest house.

A second home on the property, "an extravagant duplex,"  says Pletcher,  "is perfect for guests or children." Each unit has two bedrooms and shares a pool and a hot tub.

"The attention to detail," she says, "is exceptionally exquisite." 

You can bet on it.

The North Lake community is less than a mile from Hollywood's famed seven mile beach and a promenade that beckons with breezy cafes, enchanting visitors since the 1920’s.

"I love all my listings," says Eileen Kedersha of Sotheby’s International Realty. "They're all very special to me."

Like these two homes:

The residence of artist Tomasz Rut, whose paintings hang in the Vatican and whose hands have been entrusted with restoring masterpieces at the Smithsonian. The three bedroom home includes his 2000 square-foot, loft-style studio with office space and bath.

"You can immediately tell the artistic inspiration," says the realtor, her voice dropping to a whisper.

Balinese accented, the dwelling nestles in the midst of an extraordinary half acre property with more than 100 feet of water frontage on the lake's south end -- and a dock with direct access to the Intracoastal and the ocean beyond.

The great room, which combines both living and dining, features a fabulous interplay of wood, stone, marble and intricately carved wood, with a vast wall of sliding glass doors that completely open to gardens with tropical foliage and beautiful pool.

"Each room has a quiet place, lovely wood patios where one can enjoy the serenity," she says. "Places to recline under canopies; places that transports you to another culture."

The artist, says Kedersha, "has expressed his artistic life into the beauty of this home.”

Another listing; another mood. "A masterpiece of a home," she calls it. "A Florida classic."

Set high above the lake's north side, this fabulously renovated, two story, six bedroom home features magnificent marble floors and a Clive Christian kitchen with Swarovski crystal knobs and honed marble backsplashes. Terraced marble patios step out to the resort style pool, sauna, and a 450 foot expanse of lake front.

For guests, there are three separate guest villas, "each one of them with a bedroom and en-suite bath, sitting room, and kitchenette. All designed differently and just charming, charming, charming," says Kedersha.

The kind of home that makes one gasp, "Oh my goodness! Look at this."

Sensational, traditional Hidden Hills estate! Located on over 1 acre is this beautifully remodeled home that spans over 4,400 square feet. Set behind private gates and above street level, this home boasts a newer kitchen with granite counters, custom cabinets, Viking appliances and breakfast nook. Beautiful wood beam ceilings are found throughout, as well as newer wood and travertine floors and updated bathrooms. Other interior features include a huge den/bonus room with wet bar, granite counters and wine refrigerator. The master retreat with viewing balcony can be found on the upper level, with 3 additional bedrooms down. The fifth bedroom has been converted, but can easily be converted back. Expansive grounds boast a sensational custom pool and spa with grotto and waterfalls, plus a tremendous outdoor covered pavilion enhanced by a fireplace and outdoor kitchen, providing indoor/outdoor living at its finest! There is also a separate detached guest house plus 2 stalls for horses, making this a wonderful opportunity in prestigious guard gated Hidden Hills. Interested buyers can contact Jordan Cohen at 818-435-5220.

"For the last four years all I've read about is the distressed real estate market," says Julie Jones of Premier Estate Properties. "That does not apply to the luxury market."

Sellers are confident that the market is improving, with vacant land sales strong and a surge of glamorous new inventory. "I have three very exciting, brand new, speculative residences for sale, priced from $4.9 to $8 million," she says. "All three are in Harbor Beach, a beautiful private gated community with a beach club and marina in southeast Ft. Lauderdale."

In the last year alone, the British born agent, who's called Florida home for the past 16 years, has closed on $64 million in business, wrapping up December with two of the highest sales in Fort Lauderdale: one property closing at $5.8 million, the other  at $6,950,000.

That it's a great time to buy has not gone unnoticed by the international set, particularly Canadians and Latin Americans. "Both love the Ft. Lauderdale area, the amenities, the feel of a city -- but without the congestion,"  she says.

U.S. residents are equally enamored. Beyond the lure of surf and sand, boating, shopping and dining,  there's the double allure of low interest rates  and tax benefits for those making Florida home for six months a year: "It's a tax haven without going to the Cayman's," she says with a laugh.

However, Jones cautions:  "I can't be a total Pollyanna. The caveat is that buyers are still looking for value and are still a little cautious. Brokers need to be tech savvy and tenacious enough to find the right match for the luxury buyer."

Perhaps that right match is a magnificent Georgian-inspired estate she's just listed on East Lake Drive; 9,197 square feet of waterfront luxury in an exclusive gated community with a pool and spa and access to a  private beach club and marina.  "It's brand new, beautifully designed, and ready to enjoy this winter," Jones says.

"And," she adds, "with Ft. Lauderdale airport expanding this spring, you can be poolside from anywhere within 30 minutes of landing."

Located in the prestigious Ashley Ridge section of Hidden Hills! A true showplace that spans nearly 13,000 square feet on approximately one-and-a-half usable acres with complete privacy. Impressive glass and iron doors open to a tremendous two-story double staircase foyer, a truly dramatic way to enter this spectacular estate! Interior appointments include a state-of-the-art home theater, grand formal dining room, gourmet kitch, beautiful paneled office/library, remarkable oversized gym, gift wrapping and bonus rooms... all professionally designed with super quality finishes. The resort quality exterior grounds boasts a custom pool, oversized covered patios, outdoor kitchen, lush manicured lawns, rose and vegetable gardens, multiple fountains and water features and an awesome chipping and putting course with three sand traps. This is an entertainers paradise backyard with beautiful mountain views! Among the homes many other attributes include a Crestron system, video surveillance with multiple interior and exterior cameras, gated 6-car garade and motor court and so much more. This is a one-of-a-kind estate for the most discriminating clientele. Interested buyer can contact Jordan Cohen at 818-435-5220 for more information.

As a luxury real estate  marketing professional being "ultra" thoughtfull is a great differentiatior! Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, and bringing someone an unexpected chocolate treat will make them remember you for a long time.

When Ron and I were working in commercial real estate in Beverly Hills,Beverly Hills adjacent, and the West Side of Los Angeles, we would pick up little treats for our meetings on Valentine's Day.  Tuescher-Chocolate of Switzerland in Beverly Hills was always one of our choices.  They make champagne truffles that will leave anyone speechless.  

We took this shot of Tuescher's Valentine's Day window, yesterday in Beverly Hills.  Valentine's day is a perfect day for giving someone an unexpected treat.  It is one way of being ultra thoughtful.  What will you do tomorrow?

This blog posting has been provided by Ron and Alexandra Seigel, the Language of Luxury Community Founders and managing partners of Napa Consultants, International, the leading luxury real estate strategic marketing firm. They specialize in personal and company branding, luxury real estate website design and social media marketing. Photos courtesy of Ron and Alexandra.