Blog contributions are provided exclusively from Luxury Real Estate members throughout the world.
Courtesy of Mark H. Lippolt of Hammond Real Estate
HINGHAM, MA (July 24, 2010) – Continuing the firm’s expansion, Jeff Forsythe, Senior Vice President of Hammond Residential’s Hingham office, has announced that Susan Wilbur has joined the firm. In her new position, Wilbur will be representing buyers and sellers from Hammond’s office located at 15 Leavitt Street, Hingham. Forsythe said of Wilbur: “The combination of intelligence and caring that Susan brings to her real estate career makes her an ideal addition to the Hammond team in Hingham. From first-time buyers to developers to luxury estates, Susan does it all with an unwavering attention to detail and with expertise in pricing and negotiating.”
A licensed Realtor for the past twelve years, Wilbur was most recently associated with William Raveis Real Estate. Born and raised on the South Shore, Wilbur has earned the Certified Buyers Representative designation and is well-known for providing exemplary service and guidance throughout the buying process.
A resident of Hingham whose 3 children have attended Hingham Public Schools, Wilbur is a graduate of Emmanuel College. She has taught elementary school in the Quincy school system and worked for State Street Bank in their programming department. A dedicated volunteer, she has supported many groups in the Hingham schools, including the PTO, the high school’s hockey and lacrosse boosters, and Kids’ Cabaret. For the past five years Wilbur has served on the “Moonlight and Miracles Gala” fundraising committee which supports cancer care at the new Dana Farber Cancer Center at the South Shore Hospital.
Hammond Residential is headquartered in Chestnut Hill and has four Boston locations and eleven suburban branch offices. The company reports over one billion dollars in sales volume annually. The firm was recently repurchased from GMAC by Saul B. Cohen and his management group. Hammond is an independently owned and operated franchise company within the Real Living Real Estate franchise network.
To learn more, please visit www.hammondre.com.
Courtesy of Ole Jespersen of IRG International Realty Group
IRG International Realty Group, exclusively represented The World, the only private community at sea. IRG International Realty Group was appointed as the exclusive agent in Portugal to represent The World. The World is the only residential community at sea, arrived on July 5th in Portimão and July 7th in Lisbon, after docking in Spanish ports, Marbella and Cadiz. This ship allows its residents and guests to travel the world without leaving the comforts of a private home. There is an average of 150 adventurous and like-minded explores onboard at onece, travelling to intriguing destinations all over the globe.
This remarkable, 12-deck, 200 meter-long floating home offers an elegant and intimate travel lifestyle with impeccable service and amenities that deliver a personalized and bespoke experience. Discerning travellers can travel in one of the 165 private residences aboard The World or elect to own one of the select homes available for resale. Approaching its eighth year of successful sailing, The World looks ahead at innovative developments in the horizon. In late April 2007, the ship underwent multi-million dollar refurbishments, resulting in new soft goods in public areas including the Lobby/ Plaza area, several of the onboard restaurants and the full-size tennis court as well as the debut of The World Spa by Banyan Tree on the vessel. The World´s Residents are deeply invested in the upkeep of their onboard homes. The private homes onboard the vessel undergo ongoing modifications and enhancements such as wine storage rooms, new technology and other personal touches that ensure Residents feel at home while onboard. In its eight years at sea The World has attended the America´s Cup Races in Auckland, the Louis Vuitton Challenger in Valencia, Carnaval in Rio, the Monaco Grand Prix and the British Open. Due to ots worldwide itinerary, the vessel is able to span the globe every two-to-three years. For more information about the residential sales please contact IRG International Realty Group at the Lisbon Head Office: +351 210 305 022 or info@irgportugal.com
Courtesy of Channing Gibb of Washington Fine Properties
Washington Fine Properties is excited to announce that Kimberly Casey and Daryl Judy have joined our firm. Kimberly and Daryl have been the top producing team at TTR/Sotheby's for a number of years, and we are delighted that they have decided to join our team at WFP.
Daryl and Kimberly have developed a reputation for working hard, listening well, knowing the market thoroughly and making sure their clients are completely satisfied. They are licensed across all three jurisdictions and will be working out of the Georgetown Office. Kimberly can be reached at kimberly.casey@wfp.com or 202-361-3228. Daryl can be reached at daryl.judy@wfp.com or 202-380-7219.
As the finest brokerage firm in the Capitol Region, Washington Fine Properties is recognized for providing the highest level of ethics and professionalism, commitment to client services, and powerful marketing resources necessary to excel in the current real estate environment. For more about Washington Fine Properties, please visit www.wfp.com.
Courtesy of John Turpin of Turpin Realtors
By Stephen Stirling of The New Jersey Star-Ledger
FAR HILLS — John "Jack" Turpin brokered home sales for John Delorean and the King of Morocco. The seats of his 1978 Chevrolet Caprice Classic once held the likes of John Travolta, Olivia Newton John and Ralph Lauren. He completed some of the biggest residential real estate deals in New Jersey history.
But he did so with a demeanor that was both humble and affable and a passion that was as much for the history and preservation of Somerset Hills’ sprawling estates and opulent mansions as for the customers he served.
By William Tsang of Luxuryrealestate.com
Produced in partnership with Crescendo Business Services, D Magazine created its list of Dallas’s Best Real Estate Agents and Best Mortgage Broker Professionals. Crescendo mailed nomination ballots to residents in the area who have recently purchased homes or have worked with subscriber’s mortgage and title companies, and real estate agents. The residents then nominate mortgage broker professionals and real estate agents whom they personally worked with in order to evaluate them in several categories including overall satisfaction and whether they would recommend them to a friend.
The Texas Real Estate Commission works with Crescendo to score and screen each nominee to assure up to date licenses and make sure the agents had no disciplinary action. The nominated are then reviewed by a blue-ribbon panel of local industry experts before assembly of the final list. Reviewing the real estate agents were realty company executives, professional and trade association officers, and others directly involved in housing-related businesses. On the other hand, mortgage broker professionals are reviewed by mortgage company executives, professional and trade association offers, and others directly involved in the mortgage business.
To ensure that panel members do not have a direct influence on the final score based on company affiliation; safeguards were built into the review process. According to D Magazine, the final list represented slightly less than 7 percent of mortgage broker professionals and slightly more than 2 percent of licensed real estate agents in the Dallas area. The list is then turned over to the sales team, who have, the opportunity to sell ads to the winners.
Luxuryrealestate.com is proud to announce its members who were featured in D Magazine’s list this year.
Board of Regents member, Briggs Freeman Real Estate was established in 1960 and continues its legacy of excellence by being the area’s leading boutique firm for premier properties. Their associates gain competitive advantage and valuable insight by living and working in the communities that they serve. With a team of professionals who are client-focused, Briggs Freeman Real Estate melds traditions of integrity and expertise as they move forward and strive for continued success. Briggs Freeman has been a member since 1998 and currently has 140 associates. 
Providing the Dallas community with real estate expertise for more than 20 years, Allie Beth Allman & Associates provides homebuyers with the best Dallas has to offer. With a focus on customer satisfaction, Allie Beth has been recognized as the most productive single office in Dallas and has been named Dallas County’s Top Producer for three consecutive years. In addition, Allman has been profiled in publications such as Dallas Business Journal and Dallas News and has been a member since 2009.
A member since 2007, Ebby Halliday Realtors has over 60 years of success in helping buyers and sellers throughout the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. As one of the largest and best-known privately owned residential real estate firms in the country, the company has approximately 18,000 property transactions annually with sales volume exceeding $5 billion. Known for its unparalleled ethics and trust, Ebby Halliday Realtors sells more million dollar homes in North Texas than any other. According to REAL Trends, Inc. who ranks the top independent residential real estate firms in the country, Ebby ranks No. 1 in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex and No. 10 in the nation. In 1995, Ebby acquired Ellen Terry Realtors, which has proven to be one of the greatest business moves in the history of Dallas real estate.
Established in 2005 by Dave Perry-Miller, Dave Perry-Miller & Associates is the fastest luxury brand in Dallas with the ability to serve all neighborhoods that the luxury market requires. A member since 1998, founder Dave Perry-Miller specializes in selling properties which emphasize architectural interest and individual personality. As one of the industry’s most respected sales associates, Miller and his associates have stuck to the belief of building on the foundation of one house at a time, one relationship at a time. Dave’s clients become long- term friends, demonstrating not only his profession, but his passion as well. 
Celebrating its 29th Anniversary this year, Ellen Terry Realtors incorporates innovative marketing and the highest level of professionalism in order to build the city’s finest upscale residential real estate office. Often referred to as “the Neiman-Marcus of residential real estate”, Ellen Terry Realtors was founded on the principle that “Anything the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” The company’s mission is to market and sell premier properties and never compromise on agent quality and commitment to excellence. Founder Ellen Terry has owned the firm for fifteen years and has made her mark on the real estate industry through her extraordinary dedication to client and customer service. In 1995, Ellen sold the company to her longtime friend and mentor Ebby Halliday. 
Having lived the real estate life for the past 12 years, Karl Stopic Karl places great value on building and maintaining credibility and sincerity inspiring complete confidence in vendors and buyers alike, a self-assurance that is demonstrated by the achievements he has recorded throughout his career.
His passion has resulted in long term client relationships and significant levels of repeat and referred business.
As the Director/Licensee of KMS, Karl recognized a niche in the industry, establishing KMS as an alternative to a typical real estate experience, by offering a superior service premise and strategic client focus, with an emphasis on tactical marketing.
KMS Real Estate was built on a passion for real estate and a desire to exceed customer’s expectations. Our boutique business makes a move away from the usual characteristics of large franchise agencies, and offers a clear service distinction delivered by a team of agents committed to quality and detail.
The vision of KMS Real Estate is to become a leading real estate business you want to be involved with whether it be selling, marketing or managing one of your greatest assets. Their goal is to be the most service orientated real estate agency in addition to being the most accessible and approachable.
SEATTLE – (July 1, 2010) – Luxury Real Estate’s Board of Regents announced today its continued expansion with Peter Kempf International Real Estate which will be the exclusive representative of the Private Residence Club Industry. The Board of Regents is the governing body of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, the worldwide network of luxury real estate brokerage firms that have access to LuxuryRealEstate.com, the most-viewed luxury real estate website in the world.
With unmatched experience and expertise in international luxury real estate, Peter Kempf International provides a full range of services to developers of Private Residence Clubs. These can be on a complete turnkey basis, from concept to sellout, or on an as-needed basis for projects about to launch or already in sales.
PKI subscribes to the theory of being highly educated in the industry and always giving their clients advice which they need to know, even if it may not be what they want to hear. PKI clients can count on candor, an open mind, and thinking outside the box - all tempered by reality and grounded in what is in the client's best interests.
For more information on Peter Kempf International Ltd., visit http://www.kempfintl.com. For more information on the Board of Regents, visit www.LuxuryRealEstate.com/Regents.
About the Luxury Real Estate Board of Regents
The Board of Regents is an exclusive network of the world's most elite luxury real estate brokers, comprised of the most legendary names in the industry selected by Luxury Real Estate CEO John Brian Losh. The Board of Regents is the governing body of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, the worldwide network of luxury real estate brokerage firms. Members of the Board of Regents are marketing experts, providing innovation and unparalleled service to their clients. For more information, visit www.LuxuryRealEstate.com or www.Regents.com.
About LuxuryRealEstate.com
LuxuryRealEstate.com, a 2009 Webby Award Honoree, has been voted ‘Best of the Web’ by Forbes magazine multiple times, praised by the International Herald Tribune, Town & Country, and the Wall Street Journal and has been ranked ‘Best Website’ by consumers according to surveys by the Luxury Institute. Since its debut in 1995, LuxuryRealEstate.com has remained the #1 portal for luxury properties on the internet, consistently driving more traffic to member websites and generating more qualified inquiries than any other website. LuxuryRealEstate.com has several times more $1,000,000+ content of any near-peer.
Also known in the industry as the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate network, a global collection of the finest luxury real estate brokers in the world, this group of more than 1000 brokerage firms and 95,000 professionals in more than 65 countries collectively sells in excess of $190 billion of real estate annually, with an average sale price of $2,450,000. Members sell homes for record prices and handle transactions of incredible complexity and magnitude with complete discretion. Every member is carefully selected by CEO/Publisher John Brian Losh, one of REALTOR Magazine’s 25 Most Influential People in Real Estate and broker of fine properties and estates through his Seattle-based brokerage firm, Ewing & Clark, Inc.
Luxury Real Estate’s Board of Regents announced today its continued expansion in Chicago, Illinois with Baird & Warner, which will be the exclusive representative of the Greater Chicago Area. The Board of Regents is the governing body of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, the worldwide network of luxury real estate brokerage firms that have access to LuxuryRealEstate.com, the most-viewed luxury real estate website in the world.
With over 150 years of experience, Baird & Warner offers clients an unparalleled level of knowledge and insight into the
“I am confident Baird & Warner will become an important part of our international network, and I am pleased to appoint them as the Board of Regents Member for the Greater Chicago Area,” said John Brian Losh, CEO and publisher of LuxuryRealEstate.com, and CEO, chairman and broker of Ewing & Clark, Inc., Seattle’s oldest real-estate brokerage.
For more information on Baird & Warner, visit www.BairdWarner.com. For more information on the Board of Regents, visit www.LuxuryRealEstate.com/Regents.
About the Luxury Real Estate Board of Regents
The Board of Regents is an exclusive network of the world's most elite luxury real estate brokers, comprised of the most legendary names in the industry selected by Luxury Real Estate CEO John Brian Losh. The Board of Regents is the governing body of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, the worldwide network of luxury real estate brokerage firms. Members of the Board of Regents are marketing experts, providing innovation and unparalleled service to their clients. For more information, visit www.LuxuryRealEstate.com or www.Regents.com.
LuxuryRealEstate.com, a 2009 Webby Award Honoree, has been voted ‘Best of the Web’ by Forbes magazine multiple times, praised by the International Herald Tribune, Town & Country, the Wall Street Journal and has been ranked ‘Best Website’ by consumers according to surveys by the Luxury Institute. Since its debut in 1995, LuxuryRealEstate.com has remained the #1 portal for luxury properties on the internet, consistently driving more traffic to member websites and generating more qualified inquiries than any other website. LuxuryRealEstate.com has several times more $1,000,000+ content of any near-peer.
Also known in the industry as the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate network, a global collection of the finest luxury real estate brokers in the world, this group of more than 1000 brokerage firms and 95,000 professionals in more than 65 countries collectively sells in excess of $190 billion of real estate annually, with an average sale price of $2,450,000. Members sell homes for record prices and handle transactions of incredible complexity and magnitude with complete discretion. Every member is carefully selected by CEO/Publisher John Brian Losh, one of REALTOR Magazine’s 25 Most Influential People in Real Estate and broker of fine properties and estates through his Seattle-based brokerage firm, Ewing & Clark, Inc.
Courtesy of Harbor Bay Realty
Alameda, CA (June 11, 2010) - Harbor Bay Realty is pleased to welcome Anne DeBardeleben and Justine Francis, Realtors, to its sales team. Well-respected in the community, both have been Realtors for seven years, and offer exceptional customer service to their clients.
Prior to her real estate career, Anne DeBardeleben spent over twenty years in public and private accounting working for public relations, advertising, high tech, and manufacturing companies. “My exposure to the financial and contractual side of public relations and advertising companies provides a balanced perspective to marketing and closing real estate transactions.”
“Customer service is key in real estate. It’s important to know what my clients expect, what the market will bear, and effectively communicate their alignment. And, it is important to never lose sight of the fact that real estate is likely one of the largest financial investments my clients will make,” said DeBardeleben. “Harbor Bay Realty provides exceptional professional and technological support, allowing me to focus my energy and expertise on facilitating transactions.”
Real estate was a natural progression in Justine Francis’ career, following a ten year career in Housing and Community Development in the United Kingdom. Francis’ personable, high-energy nature and systematic approach to real estate are her keys to success. “Providing my clients with comprehensive statistical analysis, property development strategies, and effective marketing tools guide them in making well-informed decisions,” said Francis. “Harbor Bay Realty is an excellent match with my personal and professional principles, and I am delighted to be a part of this well-established firm.”
“Effective communication is essential in building successful, long-lasting client relationships,” said Francis. “I take pride in taking the time to get to know and understand my clients, as each is entirely unique. “It’s the most rewarding part of my job!”
Anne DeBardeleben graduated with honors from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Accounting. She resides in Alameda with her husband, Dan, and two children. She enjoys theater, movies, cycling, and her Scottie dogs. She is very involved with the public schools, and has served as Treasurer and President of the Alameda Education Foundation.
Justine Francis, born and raised in Yorkshire, England, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Studies from the University of Surrey, England. She resides in Alameda with her husband, Kevin, and three children. Her interests include fitness, gardening, entertaining, her Standard Poodles, and adorable mutt. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Alameda Association of Realtors.
“I’m proud to welcome Anne & Justine to our team. Their solid real estate experience, determination to surpass the expectations of their clients, and enthusiasm for the business are formulas for success,” remarked Dennis Pagones, Harbor Bay Realty President.
Anne Debardeleben can be reached at Harbor Bay Realty at 510.407.0175 and via email at adebardeleben@HBRinfo.com. Justine Francis can be reached at 510.282.8062 and via email at jfrancis@HBRinfo.com.
Online Real Estate Website Expands Business to Include the Finest Vacation Rentals and Villas
SEATTLE, June 1, 2010 – LuxuryRealEstate.com, the most viewed luxury real estate website in the world, announced today it has acquired The Society of Leisure Enthusiasts (“The Society”), an online marketing solutions company focused in the luxury vacation rental industry. The Society brings a selection of over 3,000 of the most luxurious vacation rentals in the world as well as an advertising distribution platform to LuxuryRealEstate.com. The Society was privately held and is based in Colorado. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The Society client base includes vacation home owners, property managers and resorts. They market the homes to affluent travelers through their own website, TheSociety.com as well as through an advertising platform called The Global Bundle. The Global Bundle technology distributes property listings to the finest luxury websites, the leading vacation rental websites and to several social media outlets. Distribution outlets have included DuPontRegistry.com, LuxuryTravelMagazine.com, RobbReportCollection.com, WSJ.com, LuxuryRealEstate.com, Paradizo.com, Affluence.org, HomeAway.com, VRBO.com, and more.
“We are thrilled to join forces with LuxuryRealEstate.com,” said Michael McFadden, CEO of The Society. “They are the leaders in luxury real estate and together we will bring the finest vacation rentals to affluent travelers around the world.”
“Vacation rentals, especially high-end properties, have become an essential force in the luxury real estate ecosystem. The Society has carved out a great niche in the marketplace. This acquisition will allow us to provide our clients with the best marketing solutions for their luxury properties,” explained John Brian Losh, CEO and Publisher of LuxuryRealEstate.com.
The newly created Vacation Rental division will to be managed by the former CEO of The Society, Michael McFadden.
About LuxuryRealEstate.com
LuxuryRealEstate.com, a 2009 Webby Award Honoree, has been voted ‘Best of the Web’ by Forbes magazine multiple times, praised by the International Herald Tribune, Town & Country, the Wall Street Journal and has been ranked ‘Best Website’ by consumers according to surveys by the Luxury Institute. Since its debut in 1995, LuxuryRealEstate.com has remained the #1 portal for luxury properties on the internet, consistently driving more traffic to member websites and generating more qualified inquiries than any other website. LuxuryRealEstate.com has several times more $1,000,000+ content of any near-peer.
Also known in the industry as the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate network, a global collection of the finest luxury real estate brokers in the world, this group of more than 1000 brokerage firms and 95,000 professionals in more than 65 countries collectively sells in excess of $190 billion of real estate annually, with an average sale price of $2,450,000. Members sell homes for record prices and handle transactions of incredible complexity and magnitude with complete discretion. Every member is carefully selected by CEO/Publisher John Brian Losh, one of REALTOR Magazine’s 25 Most Influential People in Real Estate and broker of fine properties and estates through his Seattle-based brokerage firm, Ewing & Clark, Inc.
About The Society of Leisure Enthusiasts
The Society of Leisure Enthusiasts provides vacation home owners, estate managers and vacation rental firms the most complete one-stop-shop marketing solution called the Global Bundle (www.TheGlobalBundle.com). This premier offering ensures marketing exposure for all luxury vacation rental listings on the finest luxury websites, the most dominant vacation rental marketplaces, and the most viral social media outlets. The Society of Leisure Enthusiasts also owns and operates an online luxury vacation rental marketplace www.TheSociety.com.
LuxuryRealEstate.com Media Contacts
Meghan Barry, Executive Vice President
John Brian Losh, CEO/Publisher
800-488-4066
The Society of Leisure Enthusiasts Media Contact
Michael McFadden, CEO
866-789-8222
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