Luxury Real Estate

By: Nicole Christinger of HomeHunts

Property People – Painted creations

Faux painting, fine art, and decorative finishing add beauty and value to your home.

Colour washing, frottage, sponging, are all faux painting techniques that will create a mood or the illusion of texture on a plain wall which are brought to life by the magic of a brushstoke.

Painted Creations who are based in Villefranche, was set up in 2006 by Graham Goodbody. Working together with his associate partner, Clothilde Kerherve, the team are living up to their nameand creating some of the most beautiful painted murals and frescos across southern France.

Their perfect working partnership is based on a dedicated passion to create stunning murals, Frescoes, gold-leaf painting and Trompe l’œil masterpieces.

Graham oversees each project personally making sure each job is completed on time to 100% satisfaction. They undertake a variety of projects ranging from murals to complete property restoration. Graham’s career is as interesting and colourful as the work he does, having trained as a classical ballet dancer, was assistant director of the Avignon Opera House, starred in Come Dancing and has worked in the film industry for many years.

The other partner, Clothilde Kerheve is a qualified fine arts master, whose exquisite murals are nothing short of breathtaking. A recent large project was completed on an estate off the coast of Cannes which involved many hours of gold-leaf painting on original ceilings and coves and Clothilde was also the lead artist on the restoration work of the Chapelle St Bernadette in Antibes.

Distressing and antiquing glazes can also add to the effect by creating an “Old World” charm and elegance. These custom faux finishes can be applied to cabinets, furniture, floors, walls, ceilings, wrought iron railing, canvas, moldings, fireplaces, decor accessories, stone and plaster. The options are infinite, the result magnificent.

Fresco, in Italian, literally means “fresh,” but in the world of art it specifically refers to “fresh or wet plaster.”

It is simply the name for a medium, or binding material, used in painting, just as oil, watercolour, or tempera, are the names for mediums that identify a type of painting. Frescoes were often made during the Renaissance period and are one the most beautiful and enduring of all the plastic arts. Part of the wonder of this enduring form of art is that at its completion the beauty of the work has just begun to radiate. Over the years while the fresco feeds the hearts and souls of those fortunate enough to abide under its splendor, the chemical process of carbonization continues within the wall, continually increasing the visual unity and luminosity of the work.

Trompe l’œil or “trick the eye”, is an art technique involving extremely realistic imagery in order to create the optical illusion that the depicted objects appear in three-dimensions, instead of actually being a two-dimensional painting.

It was (and is) often employed in murals. Instances from Greek and Roman times are known, for instance in Pompeii. A typical trompe-l’œil mural might depict a window, door, or hallway, intended to suggest a larger room. They are so realistic from far away it is hard to believe they are created and US president George Washington was once fooled by a trompe-l’œil painting when he visited the studio of Charles Willson Peale. On its far wall was a painting of someone descending a stair and he is said to have bowed to the figure before he realized it was a painting.

Graham says that creating a “creation” for their customers is like stepping into their client’s own world. “It isn’t a case of slapping on a few random colours to a wall, but more like being able to visualize and create their own personal expressions. “You know that Vincent van Gogh once said Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter’s soul. We believe that our souls go into each project that we create.”

If you would like to discuss your project with Graham please contact: Graham Goodbody : Tel : +33 614017473 or +33 493042380. E-mail ggoodbody@gmail.com

Painted Creations who are based in Villefranche, was set up in 2006 by Graham Goodbody. Working together with his associate partner, Clothilde Kerherve, the team are living up to their nameand creating some of the most beautiful painted murals and frescos across southern France.

Their perfect working partnership is based on a dedicated passion to create stunning murals, Frescoes, gold-leaf painting and Trompe l’œil masterpieces.

Graham oversees each project personally making sure each job is completed on time to 100% satisfaction. They undertake a variety of projects ranging from murals to complete property restoration. Graham’s career is as interesting and colourful as the work he does, having trained as a classical ballet dancer, was assistant director of the Avignon Opera House, starred in Come Dancing and has worked in the film industry for many years.

The other partner, Clothilde Kerheve is a qualified fine arts master, whose exquisite murals are nothing short of breathtaking. A recent large project was completed on an estate off the coast of Cannes which involved many hours of gold-leaf painting on original ceilings and coves and Clothilde was also the lead artist on the restoration work of the Chapelle St Bernadette in Antibes.

Distressing and antiquing glazes can also add to the effect by creating an “Old World” charm and elegance. These custom faux finishes can be applied to cabinets, furniture, floors, walls, ceilings, wrought iron railing, canvas, moldings, fireplaces, decor accessories, stone and plaster. The options are infinite, the result magnificent.

Fresco, in Italian, literally means “fresh,” but in the world of art it specifically refers to “fresh or wet plaster.”

It is simply the name for a medium, or binding material, used in painting, just as oil, watercolour, or tempera, are the names for mediums that identify a type of painting. Frescoes were often made during the Renaissance period and are one the most beautiful and enduring of all the plastic arts. Part of the wonder of this enduring form of art is that at its completion the beauty of the work has just begun to radiate. Over the years while the fresco feeds the hearts and souls of those fortunate enough to abide under its splendor, the chemical process of carbonization continues within the wall, continually increasing the visual unity and luminosity of the work.

Trompe l’œil or “trick the eye”, is an art technique involving extremely realistic imagery in order to create the optical illusion that the depicted objects appear in three-dimensions, instead of actually being a two-dimensional painting.

It was (and is) often employed in murals. Instances from Greek and Roman times are known, for instance in Pompeii. A typical trompe-l’œil mural might depict a window, door, or hallway, intended to suggest a larger room. They are so realistic from far away it is hard to believe they are created and US president George Washington was once fooled by a trompe-l’œil painting when he visited the studio of Charles Willson Peale. On its far wall was a painting of someone descending a stair and he is said to have bowed to the figure before he realized it was a painting.

Graham says that creating a “creation” for their customers is like stepping into their client’s own world. “It isn’t a case of slapping on a few random colours to a wall, but more like being able to visualize and create their own personal expressions. “You know that Vincent van Gogh once said Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter’s soul. We believe that our souls go into each project that we create.”

If you would like to discuss your project with Graham please contact: Graham Goodbody : Tel : +33 614017473 or +33 493042380. E-mail ggoodbody@gmail.com

By: Michel Cruz of Rimontgó

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 After 50 years as specialists in luxurious real estate, you would expect Rimontgó’s innovators to know exactly what interests their clients.

Deciding to put all those years of experience into action, they have launched their new blog, Reality Sense. Accessible via www.realitysense.com or the main website (www.rimontgo.com), Reality Sense covers topics of interest that relate directly to the expectations and aspirations of their discerning clientele.

Currently Reality Sense contains items concerning international travel, equestrianism, Spanish customs, luxury cars, motorsport, sailing and powerboat racing, top restaurateurs, international design, architecture, art and lifestyle issues that specifically relate to a high end customer base. Recent property topics include private libraries, loft living in New York versus an opulent apartment in Valencia and life in Paris.

Visitors to the Rimontgó website are welcome to enter into a debate with the issues raised by the Reality Sense blog items. The site is updated regularly and comments and suggestions are welcomed.

There’s no better way to celebrate 50 years in the business than opening another line of communication with a growing customer base.

Happy Birthday, Rimontgó – here’s to another 50!

By: José Ribes Bas of Rimontgó

Article from: Reality Sense

 

 

 

 

 

 

The people of Valencia are delighted that the America’s Cup - the jewel in sailing’s crown - will be returning to this great port city in 2010.

Despite a regrettable period of legal wrangling between two of the teams, the final settlement of the dispute has resulted in the best possible outcome for Valencia. The local economy is guaranteed an economic boost from the arrival of the America’s Cup teams, plus their many technicians and supporters.

 

The winner of the 2007 competition - also held in Valencia - was the Swiss team Alinghi of the sailing club Société Nautique de Genève who, but for Switzerland’s lack of a coastline, would normally have been expected to host the next event. The situation was further complicated when, in July 2007, challengers BMW Oracle Racing issued a lawsuit against Alinghi and Société Nautique de Genève (SNG) via the Golden Gate Yacht Club.

The intricacies of this arcane dispute revolved around the belief that SNG’s nominated challenger was not a qualified team under the Deed of Gift, the document in which the rules for the competition are set out.

The settlement of this dispute will result in the first one-on-one race for 21 years. Team Alinghi will defend its title against its challenger, BMW Oracle in what looks certain to be one of the most hotly contested in years.

This feud might have been bad for international sailing, but it has certainly proved to be excellent news for the city and people of Valencia.

America’s Cup fans can buy their own piece of real estate, close to the centre of the action. Here are three top suggestions:

Apartment near City of Arts and Sciences and Marina

Luxurious Private Villa (or Small Hotel) Near Marina

Apartment short walk from Marina and City of Arts and Sciences and Marina

 By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

When a yacht leaves the docks for sailing adventure, the family and friends of the crew are standing on the dock waving your hands goodbye, and shouting “Do not be fearful!” This well known sailor’s mantra is because the crew have no idea what is going to happen during their voyage.

This phrase, “Do not be fearful,” is in many aspects of my life, not just sailing. How about real estate today. It is the phrase that is used by both the crew and the family and friends staying behind. My experience with this mantra is based on the fact that no one knows what will ever happen on a sailing adventure. The only certainty this is known by the crew and their family and friends is the latitude and longitude of the destination of the voyage. What happens from the moment you set sail to the moment you drop anchor at your destination is what is called “a sailing adventure”, or maybe we could substitute it with a business phrase - “a real estate adventure.”I could write a book about all of the unexpected events that have happened to me on many sailing adventures I have participated in the past 50 years. It is OK to have a healthy sense of fear for what may lie ahead, but fear does not prevent the sailor from setting sail, even by knowing the challenges that will be faced during the voyage. Someone that lets fear stop them from setting sail to a familiar or new destination is called a “landlubber”, not a sailor. So, fear can either serve you or it can paralyze you. I chose to have it serve me, even though I have been in some very scary moments during my life.

One example of my 50+ years of sailing adventures was during a sailboat delivery on the west coast from San Francisco to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. The sailboat was a MacGregor 65 that is a “rocket ship” that is only twelve feet wide and sixty-five feet long, and is primarily used for racing. It is not considered a “blue water” sailing vessel. It is just built for speed - 12 to 14 knots for a mono-hull, which is VERY fast! However, the MacGregor design is known to break up in moderate seas because of it being so narrow and light.

Off the Santa Barbara Islands our crew of four decided we better stress the boat to the max to see if there were any flaws that could be uncovered before we got into Mexican waters. We put all the sails up on a day of 20+ knot winds. Within minutes the boom broke in half with me standing next to it. It smacked me on my bald head and knocked me overboard.My crew mates acted quickly - another important trait of a sailor, and turned the yacht back into the wind, threw me a life preserver, and slid the boat gently beside me and snagged me with a mooring hook so as to bring back aboard. They then lashed to boom together and the “adventure” began of how we could design a sail pattern that would allows to limp into the San Diego for repairs.

As a sailor you need to constantly improvise during these types of moments which requires focused and inventive mind. With the boom broken in half you can’t use your mainsail effectively. So, we rigged it to use the jib and “jerry rigged” the main so we had a small portion of it in the wind. The repair was completed in less than a day, and we were off to Cabo for another successful delivery. Another sailing adventure was placed into the ship’s log book.

Here is the point of my story. The only way a person gets to “new shores” is by being on the “yacht” when it sets sail - in spite of your fears. In the midst of the continued world economic crisis there is fear and trembling happening with Realtors and their customers. Today is THE real estate market. There is no wishing it was different. It will not change because of wishing. So, we need to adapt, have a focused and curious mind as to how to solve the “challenges” that are presented to us each day, and create magnificent outcomes for each of them. I would rather be in the midst of a life adventure any day, as opposed to standing on the sidelines paralyzed with fear, and missing the experience. Let me know some of your experiences where fear was overcome in spite of it being present. Your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty. Until next time….fair winds!

By Simon Turner of Marquette Turner Luxury Homes

Not so long ago, every second television show seemed to be about renovating run-down homes. With the current real estate market being less enticing, these shows seem to have dropped off.

The irony is, of course, that now is the time that you’re more likely to find a bargain.

If indeed there are more and more buyer’s markets throughout the world, then for those with finances available, there’s never a better time to get a good deal.

Therefore, we’ve put together four essential factors that you must consider to ensure that you complete the project with as much financial reward as possible.

CONSIDER THESE

1. Purchase Price — The lower price you pay, the more potential there is for profit it at the end. Remember, you generally make the money when you buy, not when you sell!

2. Renovation Expenses – Be as exact (and honest with yourself)as you can for each room that you are renovating, and include some “room-to-move should you be faced with the inevitable surprises (such as dampness, termite problems, legals).

3. Holdings Costs — The longer you own the home, the higher your costs for mortgage, taxes, and insurances will be.

4. Anticipated Sale Price — Be honest with yourself and compare your property like-for-like with others that have SOLD (not that have just been on the market for an eternity).

When undertaking a renovation, take into account how long it will take to complete. From “go to woe”, the market conditions could have changed immensely (for good or for bad) so try and take into account each scenario and what your subsequent actions will be (eg. if the market is worse, what would you do?)

Simply by doing your homework you’ll ensure you reduce the number of surprises.

Good luck!

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

 

Ilya’s Photography sets the highest standards for quality in the industry with over 30 years of experience. He has enjoyed a lifelong passion for his work, and it is instantly evident with the results he delivers.

I first met Ilya at the Luxury Real Estate conference in Del Mar, California several months ago. I asked someone at the conference after I met him, “Who is that guy?” I was told he is the finest photographer in the world who captures the true essence of luxury real estate properties in the world! Over the past two years I have personally discovered that to be TRUE!!! We have become GREAT friends since our first meeting. He and his wife have become a gift to my wife and me.

 

With Ilya’s perfect taste and vision for each of his subjects - whether luxury real estate, or food, or cars, he is able to create results that take my breath away. He is an absolutely master of lighting and composition. The way I describe mastery is “unconscious competence”, and when he walks into a room with a camera he is totally in control of his environment.

So, about a month ago Ilya called me and said a friend of his was visiting the San Francisco Bay Area, and would I be able to have lunch with him. I told Ilya that I would be delighted to host his friend in any way I could. The day Ilya said his friend was arriving I receive a call from Ilya letting him know that his friend has just arrived at my office and could I meet with him right away. I was just four minutes from my office so I told him I would be right there.

I walked into my office to find Ilya, his wife Irene, and his cousin, Michael. What a wonderful surprise. The first thing he did was start taking pictures. Ilya and his wife were visiting his cousin who lives in San Francisco, and decided to drive out to our office just for a fun surprise. We had an hour or so of sharing life and laughter.

The next month we were in Las Vegas together at the Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate Conference. Ilya was so kind to include me in so many of his photos throughout the conference. He had a presentation for me of some of his favorite luxury real estate photos, and I am sharing some of them with you so you can marvel at his creations.

Ilya has shot luxury estates in France, Spain, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Miami, Chicago, the Seattle area, plus many other locations all over the world. After checking out his work, my next question was, “How much does this type of quality photography cost for shooting a luxury home or estate?” Well, I discovered that he has VERY competitive rates that are negotiated as flat-rate prices for any of his assignments. He is even willing to offer long-term budgeted photo-shoot contracts. His flat-rate policy is greatly appreciated within our industry because it is THE rate no matter how much time it takes to complete the project. Again, I don’t think you will find a better value for your marketing dollar if you decide on Ilya’s photo services. If you are considering photography needs for any of your luxury real estate properties he is the person to contact immediately.

Ilya’s Photography works with exclusive clientele in a variety of countries and industries. As a result, his portfolio reveals an astonishing breadth of inspiration, dedication and talent. Go to his website and contact him directly. You will have the time of your life. Your East Bay lifestyle detective remains on duty. Until next time…

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

Last Thursday, May 14th was Red Day all across North America. Keller Williams Realty decided to have this day be THE day that all of their offices in the U.S. and Canada give back to their local communities. Jim Walberg was right in the middle of the action.

Each of the Keller Williams Realty offices across the country chose a local service project to focus on all day on May 14th. It was called “Red Day” because red is the color of the company’s logo. The results of “Red Day” where 76,000 Realtors from California to Eastern Canada ALL giving back, simultaneously, to their communities that one day specific day. The reports coming in from the 650+ Keller Williams Realty offices as to what they did to address the local needs of their community have been beyond inspiring. From, completing a house make-over for the elderly, to creating a community park, the giving back to local communities was extraordinary.

 

Our East Bay office focused all of its resources and marketing on re-plentishing the Food Bank’s pantry in the East Bay. Their pantry’s were almost empty and were in dire need. Our local Food Bank delivers over 70,000 meals a month to those in need. Again, that is 70,000 meals a month! I have lived in our community for 40 years, and I have to tell you that I never clearly understood the needs of the hungry that were within a 40 mile radius of our office.

The additional project we took on last Thursday was assisting with re-plentishing the supply of blood for the Red Cross. We arranged for one of their Blood Mobiles to show up to our parking lot from 10AM to 6PM. I am very passionate about assisting the local blood banks in anyway I can. In 2005 I was in the hospital for six months and was lingering between life and death. Blood transfusions saved my life.

Over thirty 50-gallon barrels were filled with food, and we ended up having standing room only all day with people wanting to give blood. It was beyond inspiring to see the impact that people can have on their community on just one day. Our Keller Williams office of 160 Realtors sent out invitations to all of their databases inviting them to participate with us last Thursday. There were also over $2,000 in cash and checks written to the Food Bank.

This turned out to be a day of service that may be a “Service Virus” that can spread throughout corporate America. Can you imagine the impact what it would be like for ALL of the real estate companies in North America to give back to their communities on just one specific day of the year? If one can do a house makeover in one day for T.V. what could be possible for 300,000 Realtors from ALL real estate companies in North America and Canada making a difference in their local communities? And, what would it be like if ALL of corporate America decided to create their own National Service Day. It would have an enormous impact on the needs of our country. This would be the movie “Pay It Forward” on steroids!

Here is a mantra to put on our bathroom mirrors today… “To whom much is given, much is required!” What are you doing to give back in your local communities? Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to give back, and enjoy every moment of your week! Until next time…your Bay Area lifestyle detective is on duty!

By Nicola Christinger of Home Hunts

Buying a Vineyard or wine domaine. Ever since the film “A Good Year” was released in 2006, starring Russell Crowe, as a banker who inherits a vineyard in the south of France, buying and owning a vineyard has become an interesting and serious investment for many people. But there is much more involved than just turning up, snipping a few grape vines and downing the produce!

The Languedoc region produces more wine than any other region in France and consists of more than a third of the entire country’s vineyard acreage. You can get far more for your money with the Languedoc wines than many others of similar quality, as this region produces a big portion of France’s table wines, or “vins de tables,” and most of France’s country wines, or “vin de pays.” It is an ideal destination for touring the French wine country, visiting vineyards for tastings, or simply enjoying a glass at a café.

 

Englishman Jonathan Hesford and his wife Rachel Treloar, from New Zealand, bought Domaine Treloar in 2006. Their incredible story of how they came to be wine producers started in New York. “On 11 September 2001, we were living one block away from the World Trade Center. After watching both planes crash into the building, we left our home with what we could carry. In the aftermath of that disaster, we lost our home, my job and our right to live in the States. The experience made us think about what really mattered in our life. We wanted a different environment for our children. Owning a vineyard is an idea that many wine lovers dream about but we wanted to do it right. I took a short course at Plumpton College in the UK and then volunteered at Halfpenny Green Vineyards in Staffordshire for 6 months to get my hands dirty and make sure I was really suited to the work. I loved it!

We then chose to go to New Zealand for 3 years to study Viticulture and Winemaking and to work for other high quality vineyards. In 2005, even though we enjoyed life in New Zealand, we decided to return to Europe to start our own business. Excited by the great wines being made by other pioneering producers, we decided upon the Languedoc-Roussillon in the South of France. In January 2006 we bought an ancient winery and several parcels of mature vines around the village of Trouillas in the Aspres region of the Roussillon in the foothills of the Pyrenees, we felt this area most suited our dreams. We started work pruning our vines, renovating the winery and building our home within the cave itself.

So would he say that all the hard work has paid off? Jonathan admits that it is hard work but confirms that it is a varied, fulfilling and healthy lifestyle which he wouldn’t swap for his old life. Tips and advice by Jonathan before you buy:

• Learn as much as you can about what running a vineyard is all about.

• If you are going to make the wines yourself you need to know what you are doing, otherwise you should be hiring a team to do it for you.

• Do not assume that your wine will sell easily. You must have a sales and marketing plan.

• Make sure you understand the administration required. Speak to SAFER.

• Decide what kind of vineyard you want to own and what you want to do with the grapes before deciding which properties to look at.

• Use a specialist agent, not a high-street immobilier.

• Go to the Chambre d’Agriculture and discuss your plans with an advisor.

• Make sure you have the capital required. You need to money for equipment, money for expenses and money to live on before you start to break even.

Olivier Hickman is a wine merchant, vine-grower and winemaker in the Vaucluse, is passionate about the wine making process. He is the owner of Wine Uncovered which provides some of the best tours and a guide through beautiful the vineyards of Southern Rhône / Provence. Following the grape’s progress, step by step from vineyard to bottle, Olivier explains how the quality and characteristics and of the wines that you taste are derived from the unique “terroir” of each vineyard. Olivier says“The great advantage of wine-growing in Provence is without doubt the climate, 300 days of sunshine bring the grapes to perfect ripeness. Low rainfall is ideal as excess rain at the wrong time of year can lead to humidity and rot and also dilute the flavours of the wine. Vines do not need much water. The best wines come from vines that struggle. Also, the prevailing northerly wind- the Mistral - is of great benefit to wine-growers. It can drive the locals crazy but the vignerons love it. The Mistral drives away the rain clouds and dries out the grapes after rain so as to remove any humidity.” It is important for buyers to distinguish first whether they are interested in the purchases of Vines only or a Domaine (i.e. a winemaking property)

Olivier advises that if buying vines only then here are some points to consider and questions to ask:

• Remember that up to 8 hectares is part-time. Above that, it becomes full time if there are no other employees

• Is there already farming equipment - tractor, ploughs, benne (grape receiver), spraying equipment, machine harvester included in the purchase price?

• Is there a stock of materials - pickets, wires, treatments for spraying- included in the purchase price?

• Can the vines be harvested by machine? They cannot if they are on relatively steep slopes and/or the vines are not trained on wires. You cannot machine harvest a bush vine

• Is the current owner a member of a co-op. If so what are the terms?

• If they are a member of a co-op but wish to make their own wine by building a winery what are the terms of exiting the co-op? - usually it takes a few years

• What was the weight of crop and price received over the last 5 years?

• What is the yield per hectare (expressed as hectolitres of wine per hectare)?

• What is the average yield in the region?

• If the yield is lower than the regional average it might suggest old vines and/or low density of plantation and/or dead vines in need of replacement

• What are the grape varieties?

• What is the vine age in each parcel?

• Are there any empty vineyards? - ie awaiting replantation

When buying a Wine Domaine consider employing a manager and a team if you don’t want to do all the work yourself. Even in the latter case consider employing a wine manager / winemaker if you have no experience of running a winery before. If there is spare accomodation at the domaine this will reduce the cost of employing someone.

For those buyers seriously looking for a chance to invest and build on a passion and dream, running and owning a vineyard is an excellent reward for thirsty work.

By Garey De Martini of Hill & Co.

San Francisco, CA – (April 28, 2009) – “Why survive when you can thrive?” asks Paula Pagano, a broker associate at Hill & Co. and one of San Francisco’s leading real estate agents. She is the author of Secrets of a Top Salesperson – How Emotions Make or Break the Sale. The book will be sold to the general public at www.SecretsofaTopSalesperson.com beginning May 28th.

Pagano spent years pounding the pavement, dealing with challenging clients, and overcoming numerous obstacles. “I was not a natural born salesperson yet thirty years ago I became the #1 agent in my office for several years and this happened during a recession when mortgage rates soared to 17%,” she explained. With this book, she reveals the secrets to that success.

 

 

 

“The first secret is to embrace all of you,” said Pagano. “That’s why I separated Secrets into three parts: the eight essential virtues, the eight potential vices and how to capitalize on your strengths while minimizing your weaknesses.” Pagano suggests you review what you have done in your life so far and analyze what qualities have helped you along the way.

While teaching for Client Connect, an empowerment sales training program she founded in 2003, Pagano realized that most people give up too easily. “It’s okay to fail and make mistakes—just don’t ever give up,” said Pagano. “A superstar salesperson can be rejected as many as seven times, yet his or her self-esteem remains intact. This may seem like an obvious thing, but most people don’t know how to do it.”

Most importantly, you need to be able to manage your emotions so that they contribute to your success—not hinder it. Pagano points out that it’s important to take care of yourself, first and foremost, to maintain balance. Ironically, Pagano, who is proud to be of largely Sicilian descent with a bit of Irish and American Indian thrown in for good measure, finds this to be her biggest challenge. If you do happen to say something you regret, her recommendation is to stop the conversation before you get hurt or hurt someone else.

Secrets of a Top Salesperson—How Emotions Make or Break the Sale is as entertaining as it is educational. The book is for anyone following their passion because it shows how success comes to those who make life happen. Please visit www.SecretsofaTopSalesperson.com for more information.

Hill & Co.

Founded in 1956, Hill & Co. Real Estate is a San Francisco brokerage long associated with the City’s finest properties. With three offices and nearly 100 full-time agents, the company enables clients to successfully navigate San Francisco’s complex real estate market. Two additional Hill & Co. offices provide property management and rental services. For more information, visit www.hill-co.com.

By Andrea Jasper of West Hawaii Today

HAWAII -(APRIL 22, 2009) - MacArthur & Company/ Sotherby's International Realty has been inducted into Kona-Kohala's Chamber of Commerce's Kuleana Green Business Program.

According to the Chamber's website, MacArthur & Company has qualified for the program in part for their extensive community sponsorships and volunteerism and commitment to continuous quality improvement. The Chamber recognized MacArthur & Company for the emphasis they place on local purchasing, outstanding service strategies, use of biodegradable and recycled products and re-use and energy and water conservation practices. ocess and experience."

"It is a great honor to be part of the Kuleana Green Business Program," said Megan MacArthur R(S), EcoBroker and Partner at MacArthur & Company. "This program requires elements and aspects of business which, I feel, is something we all as business owners and members of community have the 'kuleana' to take action on."

Initiated in 2005, this program promotes ethical and socially responsible business practices and environmental stewardship. Businesses applying for the program are scrutinized by the Chamber's Kuleana Program Committee. This committee determines eligibility based on an overall score in the areas of products and service quality, community, customer and employee relations and environmental stewardship.

"Our daily checklist for reduce, reuse, recycle, the individual and joint efforts of the company in community and with our clients, and overall support for our company agents and employees were the main factors for our acceptance," said MacArthur.

"From reducing, reusing and recycling to community service and support to in office support and caring the program asks and reminds the members and applicant of the wide range of social, and personal responsibility we all truly have," said MacArthur, who spent months analyzing and reviewing all of the aspects of the business to discover adjustments that could be made.

MacArthur encourages businesses to consider applying for the program and putting the effort forth to make changes and catch a vision for the future of finding the most effective and earth friendly path.

"The world is changing and we are all in charge of making the difference toward a healthy tomorrow," said MacArthur. "I am here to help anyone who may have questions about the program from the business owner side of things. I would love to share my pr