duPont REGISTRY Homes Blog

Market Insight: Phoenix, Arizona - Chateau of Central Transcends Idea of Arizona Living with Five-Story Luxury Brownstones

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:41:00 -0500

With Arizona traditionally known for palatial desert estates, Chateau On Central’s unexpected five-story brick and masonry brownstones in Phoenix offer a leek East Coast alternative to the traditional tile-roof and adobe-style homes synonymous to Arizona.

This elegant Old World style brownstone community features the same brick and mortar architecture of the historic buildings which line the streets of the most elite brownstone communities throughout the East Coast. From classic patina turrets and wrought iron detailing to spacious private terraces, Chateau on Central is a sophisticated 21-residence brownstone community that offers Arizona residents a rare opportunity to experience an opulent East Coast lifestyle.

Returning to the market earlier this year newly priced in the low $1 millions, the luxury development is especially unique to Arizona because it’s the only high-end community in the Valley to have so closely replicated the Queen Anne style architecture from the late 19^th century. Chateau on Centrals architecture was inspired by the historic Rosson House in downtown Phoenix, the Victorian style home was built in 1985 and at the time was considered one of the most prominent residences in the Valley. Today the Rosson House functions as a museum and is the only remaining example of Victorian architecture in the state.

Over a century later, Chateau on Central bears a similar prestige given its lavish design, historic influence and Old World style. The landmark community is idyllic in location, just steps away from the state’s most prestigious art museums, shopping centers, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Each of the 21 homes at Chateau On Central features five levels of lavish living space and dramatic architecture that blends Old World sophistication with the charm of a historic brownstone in the heart of Phoenix’s arts, culture and entertainment district. Ranging in size from 5,200 to nearly 5,800 square feet, with a signature residence that boasts a sprawling 8,200 square feet, generous square footage along with multifunction zoning allow for potential office and/or boutique retail space. Priced from approximately $1.1 million, Cambridge Properties is the broker of record for Chateau on Central.

Tucson, Arizona: A Small, Vibrant and Enchanting City

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:04:00 -0500

With 25 years of selling luxury real estate in Tucson, Arizona, Adriana Loschener, Associate Broker of Long Realty Company, has seen the ups and downs of the housing market and how it has affected her marketplace. “We have a very unique market,” Adriana says. “Tucson is surrounded by mountains to the north, east and west. An Indian reservation is to the south of us. Because of this, we don’t have the urban sprawl of other big cities, so our inventory of homes for sale is limited. The luxury properties we currently have for sale will not be available 12 months from now.”

Adriana notes that Tucson is surrounded by mountains to the north, east, and west. An Indian reservation is to the south of us. Because of this, we don’t have the urban sprawl of other big cities, so our inventory of homes for sale is limited. The luxury properties we currently have for sale will not be available 12 months from now.”

Adriana notes that Tucson is a small, yet vibrant and enchanting, city with many amenities. “You’d be surprised by how much there is to do in Tucson and the surrounding area,” Adriana says. An endless amount of outdoor activities, including golfing, hiking and biking, are favorites among locals and visitors alike, as is the city’s arts and culture scene. Perhaps the most interesting perspective of the city is that many people actually come to Tucson during the “monsoon season,” Adriana says. “You can enjoy a cool, early summer morning, watch the monsoons in the afternoon cool off the Sonoran Desert, and then appreciate the awesome sunsets.”

And when you come for a vacation to the Old Pueblo, there’s a good chance you will want to stay. “People come for a visit to Tucson, fall in love and make it their home,” Adrianna points out. “The housing market in Tucson is growing steadily. Real estate is at a great value, making it a perfect time to buy.”

50 Top Luxury Real Estate Markets in the USA: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:37:00 -0500

Pristine and serene are words that best describe one of the most beautiful lakes in America. Yet, Lake Couer d’Alene in Idaho is just one of 13 magnificent lakes in a mountainous region that includes the towns of Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint and Hayden Lake. With 5 ski resorts within a short drive of these towns, the area is steadily gaining a reputation for quality of life that is unsurpassed, especially if you enjoy a full range of winter and summer recreational sports. Located just 30 minutes from Spokane International Airport, the Coeur d’Alene area is not just a destination for vacationers it is a great place to retire or simply call home.

The scenic beauty in the Coeur d’Alene area is absolutely stunning. In fact, Sandpoint was recently named the most beautiful small town in American by USA Today and Rand McNally. Cheri Hyiatt says, “There isn’t a day that goes by that I look outside and something catches my breath. The people are beautiful here, too. There is a real sense of community with people who have a passion for life”.

Karen Corcoran states, “As a resort destination, the combination of mountains and lakes in the Coeur d’Alene area has a similar feel to Lake Tahoe in California”. Downtown Coeur d’Alene is a cross between the quaintness of Carmel and the beauty Tahoe. Living here feels like you are perpetually on vacation. The people are genuinely friendly. It started out as more of a retirement community. But, now it has become more family oriented”.

According to Jan Keener, “Coeur d’Alene Lake is about 28 miles long with over 200 miles of shoreline. If you own a dockside home on the lake you can boat into town. There are wonderful restaurants right on the lake”.

Natalie Leatherman points this out: “One big difference between our area and the alpine resorts of California or Colorado is the lower altitude. You can comfortably go swimming in our lakes and rivers because they are much warmer in the summertime. With warm water and an average temperature of 85 degrees in summer months, boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, river rafting, and fly fishing become that much more enjoyable”.

Bob Schmand adds, “There are no mosquitoes and no poisonous snakes in the area which makes camping and hiking more fun. Golf is also very popular here. The Blackrock Golf Club in nearby Hayden Lake was first made famous by singer/actor Bing Crosby who grew up in Spokane. The Crosby family still has a home there”.

Coming from a wonderful area in Southern California, Pam Jank can appreciate why people want to move to Coeur d’Alene. She says, “We live where you vacation especially if you are into recreational sports. We even play golf in the winter, “mukluk golf” that is! With snow shoes and tennis balls, we have a great time. People spend less time on freeways and more time doing things like this together here”.

Cindy Bond puts it this way: “Why not live where you can play? The Coeur d’Alene area is the perfect scenario for those who are looking to get out of a metropolitan area, enjoy their hobbies and interests in great weather and in a safe community. The people who move to Coeur d’Alene as full time residents and those who purchase a second home are focused on enriching their lives. And, they bring the best of where they came from which enriches us all here”.

“One of the best features about living in Coeur d’Alene, according to John Beutler, is the variety of natural and cultural experiences available to you, plus the convenience of being close to a major city. While you are only ten minutes from the national forest you can reach Spokane, a metropolis of 500,000 people, in a half hour”. Bill Fanning says, “For retirees a big concern about resort living is access to top medical facilities. Spokane has the biggest medical center between Minneapolis and Seattle”.

According to Sarah Mitchell, “The natural beauty of our area attracts artists and we do have a strong local art community. It is like you ‘live in a painting’. We have ‘art walks’ in both Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene where the galleries stay open at night. We have art in public places, too. You may find a statue of a moose or a bicycle rack that resembles a fork and spoon. There is a very cosmopolitan feeling; I find that people in general here are well read and well traveled”.

What Christy & Randy Oetken appreciate the most about living in Coeur d’Alene is this: “Simplicity of life! People in our community are ready to help each other. It is simply less stressful to live here”.

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.

Luxury Real Estate Website Design: 7 Components of an “Authoritative” Website

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:09:00 -0500

So much attention has been paid to get website visitors to find you, but what is going to keep them on your site and keep them coming back so you can capture their leads? In marketing luxury real estate online your website should give the visitor a strong level of confidence that you are the expert, the authority in your field. Visitors should feel like they do not need to look any further once they have discovered your site because they have found the most authoritative website in your marketplace or the niche in which you focus.

"Authoritativeness” is also one of the criteria used by Google in the page ranking system. They simply want to match the user with the expert who can best answer the user’s query. The more the user is satisfied with the answers the more often they will come back to Google for search, and that means more eyeballs for the ads they sell.

Here are 7 components that comprise a successful authoritative website:

An interactive “brochure” about you or your company that gives an immediate positive first impression. Your portfolio of sold homes, especially if it is extensive, can quickly establish your authoritativeness.
A strong marketing message in words and graphics that instantly sets you apart from your competition and demonstrates that you are the expert
A user- friendly self-service environment that is easy to navigate
A window to the lifestyle of your marketplace
Original content, content that no one else has
Content beyond just real estate information that offers compelling reasons to keep coming back to your site, especially for local visitors, those who are not currently in the market to buy or sell. These are your potential referral sources beyond just your immediate sphere of influence
Remarkable content that sparks word-of-mouth advertising and builds an audience of raving fans.

If market leadership is your quest, building the most authoritative website in your marketplace or niche therein is of paramount importance. But, website visitors are becoming savvier. If you do not instantly differentiate yourself or your company from your competition and offer original content that is engaging your chances of capturing the all important lead is reduced significantly.

Fabulous Florida

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:25:00 -0500

Florida has seemingly endless possibilities with its gentle climate, booming business opportunities, major attractions, and diverse year-round recreational activities; you can be sure that you will always have something to do in the Sunshine State. And whether you’re seeking a spacious family home, a waterfront property, or an intimate and secluded environment, Florida has options that will perfectly suit your taste and lifestyle. Florida’s stretch of beaches, theme parks, golf courses, and many other famous attractions are always available when you want them. If you’re the type who likes to avoid the crowds, the Sunshine State also offers plenty of carefully preserved places to explore, such as its beautiful state parks, estuaries, natural springs, hiking and bike trails, and greenways.

Whether you want to come to Florida to vacation or live, the striking diversity of coastal and inland lifestyle choices will surely impress.

BONITA SPRINGS

Located on the southwest coast of Florida, Bonita Springs is considered one of the most beautiful 0laces to live in America. “Some of Bonita Springs’ charm lies in its season-less, sub-tropical climate,” says Barry DeNicola Sr., a proud resident of the city, an established broker, and the owner of Barry DeNicola Realty. This translates to warm weather with cool breezes nearly all year long for its residents.

If you find yourself evading the cold by day and dreaming of ideal climate by night, this area could be a perfect fit. From 20 somethings to business professionals, families to retirees, Bonita Springs has quickly become a destination for many lifestyles because of everything it has to offer.

From a housing standpoint, Barry happily says property sales have increased by 40 percent this year and that his company closed the year with its best figures since 2006. “With the increase in sales, there has been a group in available property,” Barry says. “Now is the best time to come enjoy the perks of Bonita Springs, a city that puts the ‘sunshine’ in the Sunshine State!”

OCALA

As an equestrian’s utopia, Ocala is well known for its bucolic farms, horse ranches and estates surrounded by Marion Country’s rolling hills. Ocala’s climate celebrates warm weather, clear skies and just enough cold or rainy days to make its residents truly appreciate how beautiful the area really is all year round.

With easy travel to the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, residents can take advantage of the coastal recreations that have attracted so many to the Sunshine State. Ocala also offers a number of other popular outdoor activities, such as tail hiking, road and mountain biking, and golf. Of course, it’s the full gamut of equine disciplines that make Ocala a paradise for horse enthusiasts. These activities include polo, thoroughbred racing, jumping, mounted shooting, dressage, carriage riding, and cross-country events.

Ocala further offers a warm and friendly downtown area with superb restaurants and retail establishments. The city’s diverse, multi-faceted community also boasts fantastic artistic and cultural offerings, such as art galleries, theaters and even a symphony orchestra Ocala’s resident’s can also enjoy a calendar year’s worth of social gatherings, benefits, and a slew of other well-attended events.

Though there are ample reasons to live in Ocala, it’s “the people who really help distinguish this city from any other,” according to local realtor, Joan Pletcher. Joan exclaims that the city’s residents are very friendly and are “always willing to welcome someone new into the neighborhood.” Her advice? Experience Ocala’s intimate, “small town feel” for yourself!

WINDERMERE

The quaint town of Windermere offers some of the most exclusive, architecturally appealing real estate in all of Central Florida. Windermere is nearly placed amongst the Butler Chain of Lakes, providing an unrivalled view of the natural landscapes. A prime setting is just one of the reasons this town commands some of the most sought-after waterfront properties in all of Florida.

An example of the town’s exquisite lakefront properties would be the Villa Paradiso. “Designed with unprecedented architectural mastery, this waterfront estate celebrates Tuscan architecture and commands panoramic views of the famed Lake Butler,” remarks Carol Ann Hewitt, broker at Oxford Realty, Inc.

Windermere is part of the greater Orlando area, which Carol Ann describes as the “playground” of Florida. The small town is tucked away in the southwest region of Orange Country, with Disney and all of Orlando’s fabulous attractions only 15 minutes away.

Unlike some popular destinations in the Sunshine State, Windermere has achieved a harmonious balance of modern-world amenities and historic charm. Avoiding over-zealous development, the town has preserved its authentic roots, ensuring the town’s quaint character for future generations to come. If you are looking for lush landscapes, waterfront living, and proximity to world-renown family attractions, Windermere is a town not to miss.

Luxury Real Estate Web Design: Information Overload?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:59:00 -0500

You may have heard the phrase, “sticky website” bandied about. It has to do with the time a website visitor says on your website during a given visit. The stickier the site the more time they spend there and the more chance you have for capturing their lead which is important if you want to gain or sustain market leadership as a luxury real estate marketing professional. But, is there point where providing too much information is detrimental to your success?

Content rich websites are sticky to the extent they offer compelling information. But, how much information should you provide? It is possible to overwhelm your visitor with too much content. The key is to find the best balance for your target market. Compelling information is important, but compelling them to reach for more by contacting you is even more important.

Get the idea of feeling satiated after a good meal at a fine restaurant. Any more food beyond that point is an overdose. Now, get the idea of how you felt when the waiter brought you the dessert menu and offered you a choice of coffee or an after dinner drink. You were not satiated, yet. The meal was awesome up to that point and you wanted just a bit more. That is the point you want to achieve in terms of the amount of information on your website.

If you are a Monty Python fan you may have seen the film, “The Meaning of Life”. There is a scene in a French restaurant with an enormous man, Mr. Creosote, who is a glutton. The waiter offers him “one more petit four” and he literally explodes.

Think of Mr. Creosote, when it comes to de-cluttering your website and finding just the right balance of information that keeps your visitors hungry for more. That is an important factor to consider for a luxury real estate website, if you want to capture more leads.

Vail’s Home of Homes

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:19:00 -0500

“Only the finest materials were selected for this astonishing 4,000+ square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bath home,” says Tye Stockton, owner/broker with Ascent Sotheby’s International Realty. “No photo or single view can fully describe the splendor of 54 Beaver Dam Road.” This architectural masterpiece in Vail, Colorado, was painstakingly designed by its owners and master architect, Michael Suman, to incorporate luxurious finishes and details inside and out. The property boasts indigenous Colorado Buff stone and copper accents on the façade, Douglas-fir ceilings, a “Telluride Gold” stone-clad fireplace, European ash flooring, and rich cherry-wood walls and custom cabinetry throughout.

The prestigious residence also features a dramatic outdoor living space, overlooking Gore Creek with panoramic views of the majestic Gore Range in the Rocky Mountains. One of the county’s quintessential mountain resort towns, Vail offers exception skiing and riding, thanks to the average winter snowfall of more than 360 inches annually. The warmer seasons are equally beautiful with average summertime temperatures in the 70s and low 80s and little to no humidity. The fall brings amazing opportunities for watching the leaves change colors with the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop.

“With over $1.5 billion in public and private upgrades in Vail in the past six years, we offer the best combination of on-mountain and off-mountain options and amenities,” explains Tye. “A new sit-down option at Mid-Vail Dining Court, Elway’s steak house, Matsuhisha and Sweet Basil, gives residents and visitors a range of fine dining options.

Impressive are the finely crafted details, such as the in-floor lighting beneath the stone entryway, backlit green onyx in the main-level bathroom and “book-matched” lava granite backsplash in the kitchen. “ The rare combination of the home’s in-town location, creek-side setting, spectacular mountain views, outdoor space with fire pit and plunge pool, and some of the best finishes and technology available today,” says Tye, “make this home one of the most coveted addresses in Vail.”

54 Beaver Dam Road – Vail, Colorado

Featured Property: Hill Country Magnificence

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:27:00 -0500

Near San Antonio, Texas

Rarely does a luxury property become available that you can develop exactly as you wish-without having to start from the ground up. Such is the case for 533 U.S. Highway 87, a ranch near Boerne, Texas. With five dwellings-a main house, a lodge, a guesthouse, a cabin, and a lake house-located on more than 255 acres, this ranch can become whatever you want it to be.

“533 U.S. Highway 87 is everything you could imagine,” says Debra James of KW Luxury International. “The diversity of use is incredible. It could so easily work as a family compound, a corporate or religious retreat, an exclusive high-end hunting lease, a sports camp, or an equestrian property.”

For anyone who enjoys a vacation getaway, there’s enough space to create a landing strip for airplanes, and four of five dwellings are already full furnished. For the athlete, it’s an absolute dreamland. On the property you’ll find an indoor sports complex, indoor clay and hard surface tennis courts, an indoor basketball court, three outdoor grass tennis courts, indoor and outdoor volleyball courts, two indoor fitness centers, a batting and pitching cage, a putting green, an archery range, and a diving pool. For avid outdoors enthusiasts, 213 acres are high-fenced for exotic game, while a seven-acre lake, fed by active springs, is stocked with bass, catfish, and hybrid perch.

Multiple water wells, with elaborate water conservation and catchment systems, are notable features of the property. “Having this much land with this much live water is a big deal,” Debra says, noting that water development is crucial for a property of this scale.

And if you find yourself wanting a different atmosphere after enjoying the ranch, San Antonio is only 45 minutes away. There you can explore the Riverwalk – the number one tourist attraction in Texas with the finest hotels, renowned restaurants, art galleries and theatre venues, featuring beautiful Moorish and German architecture dating back to the late 18^th century.

Luxury Real Estate Personal and Company Branding: Is Your Slogan on Point?

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:12:00 -0500

As a luxury real estate marketing professional you can distinguish yourself from the competition with a great slogan. The slogan is effective when you can distill in a few words the essence of your brand. How are you distinct from your competition?

In the highly competitive world of auto insurance, there are many slogans. One company is expressing its unique promise of value using this slogan: “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.” Here is Mercury Auto Insurance’s slogan: “It takes more than a good neighbor to save you money!”

State Farm is promising neighborly personal service when you have a claim. That is nice. Isn’t that what is expected from any insurance company? Mercury Auto Insurance is saying that they are not just a good neighbor, they also save you money. Being a good neighbor is important, but isn’t it more important to save you money?

In the smaller competitive world of Farmers’ Markets in Central and Southern California, one of the growers has this slogan, “No baloney just vegetables”. In a venue full of organic vegetables, fruit, etc, this has no validity except for expressing a sense of humor.

A slogan has to be so compelling that in an instant it can communicate its value. In women’s shoes Donald Pliner has a slogan which distinguishes his brand from other shoes made in Italy: “Made in the Mountains of Italy”, which evokes an instant emotional response: the notion of craftsmanship and attention to detail in a small town rather than in an industrial city such as Milan.

What is great about all the slogans mentioned here is the brevity of their communication. The key is getting the entire value proposition condensed into just a few words. That is the art of slogan writing which is what we strive in our strategic branding practice.

Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler Purchases Maui Property

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:36:00 -0500

Reported by the Wall Street Journal, Aerosmith lead singer and American Idol judge, Steven Tyler, bought an oceanfront home on the exclusive South Maui coast. Makena is also said to have other notable owners from the entertainment world such as Jennifer Aniston, and Clint Eastwood and Oprah, and from the financial luminaries including Paypal co-founder Peter Thiel.

Mr. Tyler's new abode is 2 bedroom / 3.5 bathroom Makena home on 1/4 acre, which was originally offered at $6.495M but sold for $4.8M (one of the best values in Makena real estate). Featuring over 3,000 square feet of interior space boasting a floor-to-ceiling aquarium, the interior is seemlessly paired with 1,400 square feet of covered outdoor living space, showcasing a very distinctive 'Old Hawaii' feel to it reminiscent of Hawaii's rich history. A salt-water pool overlooking the ocean provides the ideal setting for outdoor entertaining and relaxation. It also enjoys a very unique location on a promontory, surrounding the property on 3 sides by the ocean.

For the fortunate few qualified buyers who are interested in enjoying a life of luxury in the ultimate island setting, the Makena and Wailea real estate will offer among the best options in the world.

This blog post was contributed by Alex Cortez, a Realtor with Island Sotheby’s International Realty, specializing in Wailea Luxury Condominiums.