Signature Sotheby's International Realty and the Schemmel Property Group's Featured Listing in Today's New York Times

Today in the New York Times, The Schemmel Property Group’s listing at 1919 Grove Street was featured in their popular ”What You Get” column published online at nytimes.com. 

“NY Times staff phoned us to arrange photography and an interview. We are thrilled that this property caught their attention and was featured.  It truly is an extraordinary property,” said Joel Schemmel of The Schemmel Property Group who also includes Sharon Chiodi and Toni Schemmel.

This magnificently restored 1925 historically designated home located “West of Trail” is just a short walk to Southside School and Southside Village and minutes away from Siesta Key, Downtown Sarasota, Southgate Mall, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and St. Armand’s Circle. 

Please contact Joel Schemmel at joel.schemmel@sothebysrealty.com or by phone at 941.587.4894 if you would like any further information about this property or to set up a private showing.

An Estate Home in The Forest at Hi Hat Ranch

Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Sees an Incline in Residential Building

By Brian Wood

We are noticing that our clients are giving serious consideration to new construction when making a decision to buy a home.  With existing home inventories falling there are less homes available that fit each client’s needs. In addition the builders have really sharpened their pencils and are offering some incredible opportunities that buyers can really benefit from. The combination of competitive pricing and the latest designs including a multitude of Green features and code changes like Impact Glass throughout the home are being considered very seriously by today’s savvy buyers. A home that was built just a few years ago does not have the energy efficiency or hurricane protection that today’s new construction offers. It is important to remember that beyond the price of the home the energy and insurance costs are very important to consider when selecting a home.

Some of the short sales and bank owned properties offer a low price but may not offer a lot of what today’s buyer wants in design or features nor do they offer any warranties that new construction provides.

Just last week, I had represented both the seller and buyer in the purchase of a new estate home at The Forest at Hi Hat Ranch. The development is a gated community that encompasses some 270 acres and offers just 54 three to five-acre estate homesites assuring each owner plenty of room to create a home for privacy. Located off Clark Road just five minutes east of Interstate 75 and a short drive to major retail centers, The Forest at Hi Hat Ranch is remarkable for its seemingly untouched beauty. Like its near neighbor, the Myakka State Park, The Forest is home to pristine wetlands, mature trees and an abundance of wildlife. Great care has been taken to design an upscale community that can exist in harmony within this natural setting and unique low-impact development guidelines are in place to preserve the beauty and integrity of the land.

Each custom home at The Forest is unique, but all are luxuriously inspired by nature. Builders carefully design and position each home to take full advantage of beautiful views and bring a sense of nature indoors through the use of key design elements such as l windows, organize materials and great screen in areas. In keeping with a “no repeat” philosophy, The Forest has been carefully designed using a variety of architectural styles and elevations so every home has its own singular character.

There has been a renewed interest in The Forest at Hi Hat Ranch. We have assembled some of the very best builders to compliment some of the most spectacular estate lots currently available in Sarasota or Manatee County. The Forest at Hi Hat Ranch is offering unprecedented values for our clients to create a truly one of kind estate home.

This particular buyer has selected John Cannon Homes as their builder and will begin building their custom 4500 sq ft home using influences taken from a number of different designs in order to capture the ambiance of Florida’s tropical outdoor lifestyle.

For more information about The Forest at Hi Hat Ranch, visit their website at www.TheForestatHiHatRanch.com or call Brian Wood of Signature Sotheby’s International Realty 941-364-4002

http://realallthingsrealestate.com/2010/09/signature-sothebys-represents-buyer-seller-forest-hat-ranch-sale/

Ray Arpke, the owner of Euphemia Haye on Longboat, has recently been chosen as a finalist for ABC’s award-winning, late night Nightline news program in their annual People’s Platelist Contest. The contest recognizes outstanding chefs whose cuisine is exceptionally creative and authentic, which has been the tradition at the romantic Longboat Key establishment that is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary. Chef Arpke is one of only 20 finalists chosen from over 1,000 entries from across America and is the sole finalist in the state of Florida. The overall winner will be determined by popular vote by logging on to the Nightline page at ABCNews.com began August 26.

Arpke is a client and dear friend of Signature Sotheby’s International Realty associate Cheryl Loeffler. “My family and I have enjoyed special occasions and family celebrations at Euphemia Haye for over 20 years. We have been very involved with Ray, Darcy and their family in many aspects of key life on Longboat and have taken cooking classes together to expand our own culinary abilities,” says Loeffler.

Currently, Signature Sotheby’s International Realty is marketing the Arpke’s personal property which is comprised of 3 parcels at the north end of Longboat Key directly on the bay.

The chef receiving the most online votes by September 26 will be declared the winner of the contest the week of September 27 and will be the topic of a special Nightline segment that will run nationally.

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/slideshow/videos-watch-18-peoples-platelist-finalists-action-11393981

Vote for Ray today! The link for voting is: www.abcnews.go.com/nightline

Deadline to vote: September 26, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, the luxury real estate firm based in Sarasota, recently partnered with The Showcase of Homes to present The Founders Club community which recently aired on ABC7.

The segment features Brian Wood, Sales Associate of Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, as he highlights The Founders Club community located on Fruitville Road, east of Interstate 75 in Sarasota. Brian introduced viewers to the available amenities and announced the opportunity for prospective buyers that they now have the opportunity of working with four, high-end builders; John Cannon Homes, Lee Wetherington Homes, London Bay Homes, and Todd Johnston Homes.

The furnished model home shown in this particular segment is one that was built by London Bay Homes, a Naples-based luxury home builder that recently acquired the remaining 86 home sites at The Founders Club. London Bay Homes plans to have three new additional models built in the near future for clients to view. To see the segment in its entirety, please visit http://vimeo.com/13886772

• 3,954 heated square feet
• 3 bedrooms
• 3 full bathrooms
• Private elevator
• Doorman
• Terrace
• Historic

Charlotte and Tom Hedge of Signature Sotheby’s International Realty have been longtime supporters of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County since 1993. Both have served in leadership positions, fundraising as well as volunteering their time, talent, skills and financial support. Giving back to their local community ensures their belief that every child is provided for. “What we really appreciate about The Boys and Girls Clubs is that a high percentage of monies donated go directly into programs for the members. Statistics show that the Clubs make a positive difference in the lives of its members, providing them with support and opportunities that every child should have,” said Charlotte Hedge.

Statistics show nationwide that The Boys and Girls Clubs are making a tremendous impact on the youth communities it serves. According to published reports, 95% of the organization’s members indicated that the Clubs were the best opportunities available in their local communities, with 52% noting that the club saved their lives.

This particular club’s alumnus is rather impressive as well. Loyal and giving individuals include former President Bill Clinton, Michael Jordan, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Neil Diamond.

Interested in getting involved? Join them at their annual Dream Makers Ball on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at the Hyatt Sarasota. All our BGC kids have dreams–some as simple as having a good job and a nice house or helping mother pay the bills; and some as complex as stopping hunger, curing cancer or being a scientist or astronaut. With encouragement and persistence, these dreams can become reality. Help us help them live their dreams. Become a sponsor like the Hedge Team by calling Charlotte and Tom Hedge, 941.350.0100, or The Boys and Girls Clubs, 941.366.3911.

REAL_Charlotte_Hedge

Brad Nelson of Signature Sotheby's International Realty Attends Key Sotheby's Art Networking Events in New York City

Several Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates networked with and showcased their top listings to the Sotheby’s Auction House’s clientele during the recent Contemporary Art Sale and Latin American Art Sale, both held in New York.

Sotheby’s 2010 Contemporary Art Sale Cocktail Reception & Exhibition was sponsored by the Sotheby’s International Realty Manhattan office locations in New York and was held in earlt May. The firms were able to showcase their brochures and marketing materials to attendees, as well as network with their clients and the Auction House’s. Five new artist records were set, and highlights of the sale were Andy Warhol’s Self Portrait from 1986, which more than doubled the high estimate to sell for $32,562,500.

“Participating in any Auction House event as a sponsor or otherwise is one of those opportunities in our residential real estate business that you do not pass on,” said Ellie Johnson, vice president and brokerage manager, Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage, one of the sponsor firms. “During the past month we were privileged to participate in the Contemporary Art Sale and the Latin American Art Sale.”

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty in Miami, Fla.,  Morris & Frywald Sotheby’s International Realty in Aspen, Colo,; and the Sotheby’s International Realty Manhattan office locations sponsored The Latin American Paintings Private Preview Cocktail Reception & Exhibition which took part towards the end of May.

The Sotheby’s International Realty desk was stationed in a key position on the main exhibit floor, directly in front of attendees, during the display of art prior to the auction. The Latin American Art Sale totaled $16,777,050 with seven new artist records, most significantly for Wifredo Lam’s Sur La Traces (Transformation), which sold for $1,426,500.

Brad Nelson, Director of Brokerage Services of Signature Sotheby’s International Realty in Sarasota, FL attended as well and sees the full benefit of these types of events as it provides a unique platform for networking and meeting potential new clients. “These types of opportunities are what clearly separates us from our competitors and puts us in front of a key group of consumers, said Nelson.”

We take great pleasure in discovering and bringing to life all the things that make a home unique. And we take great pride in using our considerable expertise, resources, and global connections to artfully unite these special places with those who will cherish them as we do.

It is with this understanding that we proudly present Penthouse Number 800 at The Grande Riviera in Sarasota, Florida — a chic and sophisticated oasis with water views from nearly every window. This unique waterfront property has been the personal residence of the luxury building’s developer, and there is no better way to understand what makes the home so unique than to hear from the visionary creators and current owners, Angus and Jackie Rogers.  In this exclusive video preview, the first in a series of our Signature Stories, we invite you to learn more about this elegant condominium.  The property is currently on offer for $4,950,000.

For more information on this property, please contact Cheryl Loeffler with Signature Sotheby’s International Realty at 941.308.6554.

More About The Grande Riviera Penthouse 800

Signature Sotheby’s International Realty in Sarasota, Florida today announced that the Sotheby’s International Realty network has formed a  collaboration with The New York Times to showcase unique properties from its network’s approximately 500 offices in 38 countries and territories worldwide throughout the publication’s Web site, www.nytimes.com.

The relationship will promote the Sotheby’s International Realty network’s listings exclusively in slideshows throughout the publication’s online real estate section, called Great Homes and Destinations.  The brand’s offices will be showcased exclusively on select “Style Maps” located on The New York Times’s online T magazine throughout the year.

Sotheby’s International Realty advertising also will be in “Featured Properties” found throughout the section and in an expanding ad that will feature the brand’s latest listings by lifestyle.  Finally, consumers that download The New York Times’s new Real Estate iPhone application will have access to properties represented by the brand worldwide.

“This relationship brings together two brands renowned for quality in their respective fields,” said Wendy Purvey, senior vice president, marketing, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC.  “Our goal is to provide our network members access to the valuable exposure this collaboration offers.  It will provide an opportunity to present their many fine listings from all over the world to an international audience.”

“This relationship is an exciting tool for Signature Sotheby’s International Realty’s clientele, and a key component to our overall marketing strategy for the homes we represent in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties,” said Judy Green, broker/owner.  “Signature Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to offer its clients such a unique and effective way to position their homes in front of an international audience of well-qualified buyers.”

Signature Sotheby’s International Realty is located at The Plaza at Five Points, at 50 Central Avenue in Sarasota and at 230 South Tamiami Trail in Venice.

The Sotheby’s International Realty^® network currently has more than 10,600 sales associates located in approximately 500 offices in 38 countries and territories worldwide.