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.

An awe-inspiring Ron Firestone designed masterpiece inspired by the style of the great Italian architect, Andrew Palladino. Located behind private gates in the prestigious White Stallion Estates of Hidden Valley, this nearly 21-acre compound boasts everything expected and desired by the most discriminating buyers. Breathtaking unobstructed 360-degree views are enjoyed from everywhere! The main residence spans over 12,460 square feet and boasts a tremendous master suite with his and hers separate bathrooms and closets. There is also a dramatic two story entry, great room with wet bar, HUGE bonus room (easily converted to additional bedrooms), elevator, office/library, 7 fireplaces, private wells and more! The spacious center island kitchen boasts high-end stainless teel appliances as well as beautiful limestone counter tops and an adjacent breakfast room. In addition, there is an approximately 800-square-foot detached guest house with temperature and humidity controlled wine cellar that can accommodate approximately 3,800 bottles. The magnificent grounds are truly second to none! Infinity pool, tennis court, lush manicured lawns, walking paths, mini golf course with 3 greens and sandtraps, and two additional large building pads for horse facilities, etc. One of Southern California's Finest Estates! For more information, contact Jorden Cohen at 818-435-5220.

One of the biggest challenges that face luxury real estate marketing professionals is articulating their own unique value proposition.  Yet, this is by far one of the most important aspects of personal or company branding.  Your extraordinary promise of value is what your ideal clients can expect when doing business from you vs. your closest competition. It is what makes you stand out.

An empty or exaggerated promise can lead you into a trap where you disappoint your clients by under-delivering. Hype can be your worst enemy. Let the empty Beverly Hills store depicted in this post remind you about the fate of businesses that communicate empty promises. 

Your reputation is your most important asset. Reputations are based on kept promises.  It is always better deliver exactly what you promise, and then exceed their expectations.

If you take the time to identify a niche within your marketplace that is underserved it will not take much to deliver a superior value proposition. Keep in mind that your target market has settled for mediocre service. If you promise too much you will not be taken seriously.

To differentiate yourself or your company from your competition you need to offer an extraordinary promise of value.  To do this you must be passionate about what you do and you find something specific that you can do better than anyone or any company in your marketplace.  We call this your strategic differentiator.

The idea is to become known for your strategic differentiator. Your marketing messaging must focus on the communication of what makes you distinct, which is essentially your extraordinary promise of value.

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.

A taste of Italy awaits you in this Mediterranean Inspired Villa with very private Roman-like inner courtyard, lined with Cantera Stone Pillars, potted flowering vines, Heated, Saltwater Pebble Sheen Pool & Spa, outdoor kitchen, fountains and crackling Tuscan fire pots.   Fully furnished with decorative lighting, home automation, alarm and intercom, State of the Art Electronics, Flat Screen TV's, bedding & linens - very turn key for that very busy lifestyle.  Tri-level, 21 person Theater w/ custom leather "snuggle couches", Mitsubishi Projector, 12 ft Screen & private Wet Bar. Gourmet Kitchen w/ Wolf, Sub Zero & Viking Appliances and exquisite floating ceiling above large granite island - perfect for entertaining!  Unbelievable architecture w/ distinctive ceilings in every room, rough edge Travertine flooring w/high quality, sculpted carpet in all the Bedrooms.  Separate Entrances from courtyard to Library, Yoga Room and Casita w/ Master, separate tub & showers, laundry room, living & kitchen.  This hillside estate has private rooftop viewing deck with spectacular mountain & city views.   Located in the Award Winning Master Planned Community of Las Sendas spanning over 1800 acres - World Class Golf Course, Trailhead Members Athletic Club & Spa, 6 Tennis Courts, (4 Private). For more information, contact Tina Garcia at 480-652-0088.

In personal and company branding for the luxury real estate industry, humor can be a great emotional branding tool.  But, it has to fit your brand like a glove. It must fully resonate with the personality of the luxury real estate marketing professional or company who uses it.

Southwest Airlines has done a remarkable job of incorporating humor into their brand.  On our last Southwest flight the flight attendant sang a obscure Christmas Carol to the passengers, off key mind you, and got a “seated ovation”

You may have heard the expression, “Laughter is the best medicine”.  Benefit, the cosmetic company that took the market by storm and then was acquired by the luxury brand conglomerate, LVMH (Louis Vuitton, Moet, Hennesey),has a different twist:  “Laughter is the best cosmetic!” 

Other brands have attempted to imitate the “retro-humor” of Benefit and have not succeeded.  This quirky brand position, when executed well, is truly inimitable.  Another airline would have a tough time imitating Southwest’s brand of fun. 

Many people associate laughter and fun with less formal brands and do not associate it with luxury.  We have always believed that a great belly laugh is one of the greatest luxuries in life and unabashedly incorporated LOL (a text messaging shortcut for “laugh out loud”) into our company’s sub-brand, The Language of Luxury.

If humor is an important part of who you are as a luxury real estate marketing professional or company, by all means, find a way to express that as part of your brand. You will be surprised at how many people will resonate with it!

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 magnificent estate on 1.5 acres on the open Bayfront was originally built in 1925 by John Tuttle with heart pine floors and first cut, clear cut cypress on beamed ceiling and fireplace surround. It has been lovelingly expanded and updated to enhance the authentic character of this southern hospitality home. This romantic residence evokes the gracious lifestyle of a time gone by... verandas, brick terraces, a reading porch, French doors, a formal dining room opening to a private pool, and expansive lawns for childern to play. 200 feet of Bayfront with dockage for 2 boats plus dockage for a 50 foot boat on Hanson Bayou. Offered at $5.999 million. Interested buyers can contact Betsy de Manio at 941-914-5540.

Large lot size, beautiful homes with just a short walk to the beautiful blue Atlantic, this is the unique nature of Seminole Landing.  Tucked between world renowned Seminole Golf Club and Lost Tree Village, Seminole is truly breathtaking. With only 65 homes this prestigious community is home to families that can live anywhere in Florida, but choose Seminole Landing.  Fine dining, world class shopping, and an international airport all within minutes of the front gate! This home is a truly custom estate. The beautiful, large gourmet kitchen and family room is adjacent to the bar/billiard room and home theater, and a screened in summer kitchen with fire pit.  An infinity edge pool and spa are complimented by the lush landscaping and unique changes in elevation. The master suite features a well-appointed bath, office and an oversized covered balcony with a commanding view that belies the lot’s 33 foot elevation. Three family bedrooms are on the second floor each with its own balcony, and a large two bedroom guest wing on the first floor that offers convenient access to the pool area. Interested buyers can contact Denice M. Sexton with Lost Tree Realty at 561-662-8344.

Situated on over three lushly landscaped acres with deeded beach access, the home site features 200 feet of waterfront along the Intracoastal Waterway, affording the owner not only sublime sunsets but the opportunity to have a boat in the backyard. Completely renovated in 2005, the home and guest house offer every convenience, and with six bedrooms, six full baths and two half baths the property is wonderfully suited for the modern lifestyle. The kitchen opens to a casual breakfast area which leads to the formal dining room; each with views of the lawn rolling to a small beach, the dock and the Intracoastal Waterway.  The living room and family room open through sliding glass doors to a pergola covered patio perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying the seasonal breezes. Other features include an exercise room, large free form pool, wet bar, summer kitchen with cabana bath, and a three car garage.

Interested buyers can contact Peter B. Erdmann of Lost Tree Realty at 561-329-2383.

South Florida is synonymous with beaches and sunshine, but the southern part of the peninsula is home to a burgeoning cultural scene too. World-class museums, symphony halls, and famous art festivals seem to complement the region’s beach lifestyle, adding an element of cosmopolitan to these naturally gorgeous cities. Whether you prefer to spend your time indoors or out, South Florida has opportunities for everyone to enjoy the famous cities of West Palm Beach, Wellington, and Fort Lauderdale.

The outdoor activities alone could keep one occupied for days. Presenting traditional water activities such as kayaking in West Palm Beach or jet skiing in Miami all the way to playing a match of polo in Wellington, Florida, southernmost cities of Florida offer any activity under the sun.  Palm Beach County even holds the title of having more golf courses per capita than anywhere in the United States, and well-manicured ones, at that.

Chappy Adams, principal of the real estate brokerage Illustrated Properties in Palm Beach County, has been representing properties in the area since 1987. He is a resident expert on the various cities that represent his home.

Adams notes that the South Florida market is still favorable for investment. In fact, Canadian buyers are now representing a large portion of international sales in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties.

“South Florida has historically been one of the safest investments when it comes to real estate,” says Adams. “The market over-corrected itself and prices fell 50% or more in some cases; so if you look at a 30-year trend line, prices are still at least 30% below where they should be.”

Factor the favorable investment climate with the year-round sunshine, beaches, and great outdoor lifestyle to be had, and it’s easy to see why South Florida has been a longtime favorite of locals and visitors alike.

A collaboration of the world's finest materials and a setting on 198 acres with over one mile of North River shoreline has created an estate of incomparable beauty. The estate comprises an incredible main house, a fantastic guest cottage, a poolhouse, a detached home office, and versatile hangar space for any hobby enthusiast. A masterpiece of design that has created a home of comfort, distinction, and efficiency. Easy accress to Virginia Beach, Colonial Williamsburg and Washington DC. Perfect for a corporate retreat priced at $5,999,995. Interested buyers can contact Kelly Corbett at 757-570-7860.

Unbelievable, turn key opportunity for the truly discriminating buyer! This well-crafted 17,300 square feet custom gated 6.5 acre estate has a look that is both luxurious and traditional. This home will exceed all expectations, from the moment you enter the elegant foyer which establishes a wonderful flow to the sunken living/music room, large dining room, gourmet kitchen, mahogany family room and paneled study. Perfect for entertaining! The master suite features a sitting area, fireplace and an exquisite master bath. The lower level is the perfect place to have fun! Another full bar, two fireplaces, dance floor, wine cellar, gym and spa complete this area. There is a separate two bedroom apartment, detached six car garage, emergency generator and elevator to all 4 floors. Gas rights are included. Additional 11.2 acres available. Replacement cost of this estate, well over 6 million! Interested buyers can contact Susan Brunko of Prudential Preferred Realty at 412-833-7700.

The remarkable Texas Hill Country creates a breathtaking backdrop to one of Texas’s premier communities – Cordillera Ranch in Boerne, Texas. At Cordillera Ranch, residents enjoy luxurious and resort-style amenities such as premier golf, fine dining, an equestrian center, river club, rod and gun club, a full fitness and spa facility and hundreds of acres of community parks and trails, all within private gates of this gracious 8,000-acre community.

Residents of Cordillera Ranch enjoy close proximity to exemplary schools in the Boerne school district, as well as private school opportunities, and the ability to connect with nature while being just a stone’s throw from the conveniences of neighboring San Antonio. Cordillera Ranch offers the opportunity to purchase a Master Golf membership on their famed Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, consistently named one of Texas top 10 courses.

For someone who enjoys entertaining a luxury, yet relaxed lifestyle, real estate agent Debra Janes of KW Luxury International is marketing an ideal and newly built estate within this alluring ranch community. 207 Riverwood is situated on one of the few acreage parcels that borders the beautiful Guadalupe River. The stunning Old World Mediterranean style architecture blends beautifully with the sleek, soft contemporary flavor of the home’s interiors.

Casa de Rio defines luxury and romance.  8,178-square-feet and expansive verandas offer picture-perfect hill country views overlooking tiered pools, 2 Jacuzzis and an outdoor grilling kitchen all easily accessing the river. This unique property offers an exquisitely appointed owner's retreat, epicurean kitchen for two that is open to the grand room, formal dining, wine cellar, a home theatre, 2 game rooms, 5 bedrooms and 5 ½ baths on nearly 3 riverfront acres.  All of the perks of this well designed masterpiece make it a perfect fit for the buyer wanting luxury within the highly desirable Texas hill country.

Cordillera Ranch is the up and coming premier addresses in Texas offering everything for the young ... and the young at heart.

Interested buyers can contact Debra Janes at 210-573-4040 for more information.

What is a Brand? Many refer to a brand as the logo (that includes the brand name), or the basic “look” of the collateral material or website.  Many think that luxury real estate brands should have script fonts, gold-metallic embossed lettering, on business cards or presentation folders for example, or use the colors black, gold, burgundy, or dark green.  While these elements may be used to help express the essence of a brand they are just superficial aspects of personal and company branding.  A brand is not a look!

A luxury real estate marketing brand is the inimitable “soul” of the professional or company expressed via their exceptional manner of interaction with their target market.  It is their distinctive way of doing business based on their priority values and their unique personality.  The logo, the name and the look must symbolize this entire package and communicate the essence of the brand. 

Nordstrom as a brand is known for wonderful customer service.  That is what their brand stands for. One of Nordstrom’s signature ways of interacting with a customer is for the salesperson to come out from behind the counter and hand the customer the bag.  It is a subtle way of saying, “I am accessible to you and I don’t hide behind the counter.” 

Recently, we tested the latest and greatest ski equipment at Jan’s Mountain Outfitters in Deer Valley, Utah, where we have shopped for skis since Deer Valley opened. While in the store a couple seated next to us was raving about how the boot fitter spent quite a bit of time, adjusting each part, and insuring that their boots fit perfectly. It was a pleasure to hear that Jan’s remarkable service has been consistent throughout the years.

The staff at Jan’s really takes the time to understand how you ski, where you ski, and your level of expertise.  They are experts. They are passionate about skiing and they are thrilled to have you experience the very best!  It is their way of doing business.  It is their brand. Their consistency in expressing the soul of their brand is part of the soul of their brand.

A look can be easily imitated. How many auto makers copy the styles of the world’s most expensive cars? What cannot be imitated is the soul of a brand. What are you doing to consistently express the soul of your brand?

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.

When you bring up Maine's Sugarloaf mountain on Google Maps there's little to be seen but nature and the highest skiing mountain facility on the East Coast. Tucked in the far northwest region of the state, you will find a four season recreation center. Sugarloaf's Carrabassett Valley is at the heart of a mountain range with the steepest vertical drop on the East Coast for alpine skiers and miles of trail for cross country enthusiasts. It's a sportsperson's paradise in milder months as well, with hiking and biking, fishing, boating and excellent golf. Not surprisingly, it's also the home of the Carrabassett Valley Academy, which has schooled Olympians like Bode Miller, Seth Wescott and Kirsten Clark.

"If your family has ability and loves the out of doors, this is the spot," says Dr. Irwin, who is currently offering the “Loaf's” most spectacular property -- a storybook log home on a massive scale that is so extraordinary it took a masterful local craftsman over seven years to complete. Hardly child's play. Set on nearly three wooded acres with 290 plus square feet on a babbling brook, with a magnificent deck looking up to Sugarloaf Mountain, the 6800 square foot log home features three master bedroom suites, seven stone, floor to ceiling, fireplaces and two great rooms -- one styled like an English pub with a 40-inch fireplace and a game room. Amenities also include a sauna, a hot tub, and what Dr. Irwin calls a "three-season room," a screened porch in summer that becomes a glassed conservatory in chillier months. This resort within a resort offers access to the perfectly groomed cross country trails outside the front door. This beautiful “on mountain” home is served by a shuttle bus that passes the house every half hour for the five minute trip to the stellar slopes.

Offered at $2,167,500. Interested buyers can contact Laurent L'Heureux at 813-969-1484.