Luxury Real Estate

January 22^nd, 2010 (Seattle, WA) – LuxuryRealEstate.com has launched a new portal for developers of the most sought-after communities in the world. Offering the most comprehensive collection of world-class developments using state-of-the-art search functionality, the new portal helps developers drive traffic to their websites and inquiries to their sales teams.

“The new Luxury Developers Portal is the most comprehensive source for consumers using the web with detailed, customized searches of the top new developments in the most desirable locations around the globe”, states CEO/Publish John Brian Losh.

This new section of the website was designed specifically with buyers in mind. You can go to a single location to research every aspect of a community and initiate direct contact with the development team. Developers will have the ability to showcase each aspect of their project with video, mapping, blogs, an image gallery, inventory of all current listings complete with photos and direct links to representatives from each property.

This new Luxury Developers Portal is one component of a complete redesign of LuxuryRealEstate.com. Beyond the more polished and improved look and feel of the website, the redesign introduces under-the-hood improvements that might not be obvious to the casual visitor, but will improve the user experience and increase exposure of luxury homes listed on the site. Features include - faster page loading, more search engine friendly, and more future safe with upgraded web browsers. Utilization of Twitter posts and Microformats as well as RSS and Atom feeds will allow for easier user subscriptions and syndication of editorial content.

“LuxuryRealEstate.com is the original - it sets that standard for websites directed at high net-worth real estate consumers. Our new website will take the user experience to a whole new level”, states CEO/Publisher John Brian Losh.

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: Lisa Babbitt of Gustave White Sotheby's International Realty

NEWPORT, RI / January 15, 2010—Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty based in Newport, Rhode Island, is pleased to announce our top producing agents for 2009.

NEWPORT OFFICE

Michelle Kirby ~ 401.848.6714 / mkirby@gustavewhite.com

Michelle Kirby has been Gustave White’s top sales associate for eight of the last ten years. Specializing in the high-end luxury and waterfront market with an average sale price of over 1 million, Michelle possesses a thorough knowledge of value, pricing, and marketing of properties in the Newport County area. Her dynamic personality and professional enthusiasm are key assets in helping her clients in achieving their real estate goals. She is also a life-long competitive sailor and a fledgling golfer.

SOUTH COUNTY OFFICE

Mary Ann Lisi ~ 401.596.8081 / mlisi@gustavewhite.com

Licensed since 1998, Mary Ann Lisi brings to the real estate field a background in interior design, merchandising, and the restoration of old homes. One of the first “green” realtors in Rhode Island, Mary Ann is particularly effective at working with clients in any price range and at envisioning the potential of a property. She has put her love of design and restoration to work for Habitat for Humanity, where she is a member of the women’s crew of South County. An avid runner in any weather, Mary Ann has completed 9 marathons and hopes to make it to ten. Her commitment and zeal have led to assisting her clients with properties from the East Side to Westerly, RI.

“The world of residential real estate can be highly competitive, and we are pleased to recognize the hard work of Michelle and Mary Ann within our brokerage. In addition to being identified as top producers, they contributed to Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty’s high standing in overall transactions, commissions, and office volume for 2009," said Paul Leys, broker/co-owner of the firm. Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty was the top Newport County–based agency for 2009.

About Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty

Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty is a full-service agency specializing in luxury real estate and serving all of Rhode Island as well as southeast Connecticut and coastal Massachusetts. Gustave White has been in business for over 78 years as a leader in the luxury market, is the sole Sotheby’s affiliate for Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Regent member of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate. Paul A. Leys, Co-owner of Gustave White Sotheby’s Int’l Realty, may be reached at 401-848-6706 or at pleys@gustavewhite.com for more information.

DANVILLE, CALIFORNIA January 19, 2010

(PRLEAP.COM) Jim Walberg and Ann Marie Nugent, owners of the Bay Area Team, were again honored as the Top Realtor Team for 2009 at the Keller Williams Realty – Danville Market Center from over 160 Realtors. They were also ranked #1 in the East Bay, and in the Top 10 in the entire Northern California and Hawaii Region.

When asked what contributed to their success, in the midst of such challenging economic times, Nugent-Walberg said, "The Keller Williams business systems, on-going education, networking with 77,000+ fellow Realtors within the company, and just plain hard work were the keys to the extraordinary results achieved for our clients in 2009." In addition, they have created a global marketing network through their exclusive memberships in Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate, and The International Real Estate Federation – FIABCI. Their award winning internet marketing strategies were also acknowledged by LuxuryRealEstate.com with the 2009 Global Networking Award selected from over 120,000 Realtor members.

About Jim Walberg and Ann Marie Nugent

Jim Walberg has been a member of the East Bay business community since 1970. He and his wife, Ann Marie Nugent, are owners of The Bay Area Team at Keller Williams Realty in Danville, California. Walberg is one of the Keller Williams University regional trainers. He has been inducted into the Realtors Hall of Fame for the East Bay, and he and Nugent are ranked in the top escalon of Realtors nationally. They love sailing in the Caribbean, traveling the world, collecting fine wines, skiing, camping and reading. However, the most important part of their lives is their faith, their loving marriage, and their three children.

Contact Jim Walberg and Ann Marie Nugent any time at jim@jimwalberg.com , annmarie@annmarienugent.com, or at their website, www.TheBayAreaTeam.com. Feel free to stop by their North American headquarters at 760 Camino Ramon, Suite 200, Danville, California, or call them at +888.415.8326

Courtesy of: Sheila Wenz of Rodeo Realty, Inc.

Beverly Hills, CA – January 12, 2010

Rodeo Realty Inc., the Beverly Hills based luxury real estate firm, began the New Year with two feature profiles of owner and president, Syd Leibovitch, in the Los Angeles media.

The Los Angeles Times featured Leibovitch in its How I Made It column on Sunday January 3^rd in the business article “Preserving Independence Helps Real Estate Firm Grow.” In the interview, Leibovitch discusses his experience, business strategies and how remaining an independent has given him a distinct advantage in a business dominated by big name firms.

In the same week, The Business Journal published an in depth profile of Leibovitch in its two page feature entitled “Rustling Up Home Sales – How Syd Leibovitch built rodeo realty into a regional powerhouse.”

“It’s true I have worked very hard to make Rodeo Realty what it is today,” commented Leibovitch. “But it comes down to the people I work with. I have the best managers, agents and staff I could ever ask for. I feel so fortunate and owe a lot of my success to them.”

To read the entire Los Angeles Times and The Business Journal articles please visit http://rodeore.com/media/news.asp

Contact- Sheila Wenz – mediarelations@rodeore.com

About Syd Leibovitch & Rodeo Realty, Inc.

Rodeo Realty, Inc. was founded in 1986 by President and Broker, Syd Leibovitch. Today the company is the largest single-owner real estate firm in California with 12 branch offices, nearly 1000 Realtors and annual sales and listings exceeding $3 billion. Leibovitch also owns LA Mortgage and Encore Escrow Company and is regularly consulted about real estate matters by the media, U.S. Congress and other government officials.

By: Jillian Parker of LuxuryRealEstate.com

SEATTLE January 12, 2010—Congratulations to Eric Kodner of Wayzata Lakes Realty in Minneapolis, Minnesota on his most recent appointment to the National Association of Realtors Equal Opportunity-Cultural Diversity Committee. The term of his position is from December 1, 2009 to November 30, 2010. Eric is also the Broker and Owner of Madeline Island Realty in LaPointe, Wisconsin.

Kodner was appointed by the standing National Association of Realtors (NAR) President, Vicki Cox Golder following a recommendation from the former President, Dick Gaylord.

“Naturally, I’m honored to have been asked to serve on a NAR committee.” said Kodner of his appointment.

As outlined by Vicki Cox Golder, two important goals of the NAR for the upcoming year are as follows:

1) Increase participation in the Broker Involvement Program

2) Help every state and local association create its own version of the Right Tools, Right Now Initiative

To learn more about Eric Kodner, view his profile on luxuryrealestate.com

To learn more about NAR, visit http://www.realtor.org

Courtesy of: Maxine Hussey of Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

TOP PRODUCER ABACO TEAM 2009

Stan Sawyer

Estate Agent, Bahamas Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

t 242.367.5046

c 242.577.0298

Stan.Sawyer@SothebysRealty.com

Stan Sawyer has watched and participated in the growth of Abaco for almost a half a century. He spent his early years growing up in Green Turtle Cay and has been able to spend a lifetime exploring the length and breadth of the Abaco Islands. He has extensive knowledge of Abaco's real estate market. Stan is an Achiever – he is continually updating and educating himself. He has earned numerous certificates since graduating from college in 1980. Residing in Treasure Cay for more than twenty years, Stan’s clients appreciate his loyalty, integrity and professionalism. They place their trust and confidence in Stan’s ability to deliver on service. He works tirelessly around the clock until he succeeds in delivering complete satisfaction.

TOP PRODUCER NASSAU TEAM 2009

Ridley Carroll

Estate Agent, Bahamas Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

t 242.322.2305

f 242.322.2033

c 242.424.5801

Ridley.Carroll@SothebysRealty.com

Ridley has spent twenty years as a commercial pilot which has provided him with an extensive knowledge of the Bahamian islands and a profound understanding of people. He has been a licensed realtor with Damianos Sotheby's International Realty for more than 10 years and thus is one of our seasoned veterans. He believes that purchaseing a property requires a realtor who is honest and has knowledge of the local marketplace; as a result of this belief he has successfully assisted numerous families achieve their goals. We are proud of his sincere and enthusiastic approach to meeting his clients' need and how he guarantees individualized attention and a commitment to excellence in all of his business transactions.

TOP LISTING AGENT BAHAMAS 2009

Mark Hussey

Estate Agent, Bahamas Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

t 242.322.2305

f 242.322.2033

c 242.424.9193

Mark.Hussey@SothebysRealty.com

A proven leader, Mark Hussey is a committed Real Estate Professional, assisting clients with the research and marketing of properties within the Bahama Islands. Through Mark's professional and personal contacts within the Bahamian community, he is able to deliver results that often exceed his client' needs. Mark's positive attitude and personality, along with his effective business relationships tremendously aid in his ability to join both buyers and sellers together. He is attentive and multi-skilled; driven by his commitment to provide our clients with qualified information and high personal service standards.

TOP PRODUCER BAHAMAS 2009

Steve Donovan

Estate Agent, Bahamas Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

t 242.322.2305

t 928.202.7765

Steve.Donovan@SothebysRealty.com

Steve specializes in the purchase and sale of Private Islands and Estate Properties in the beautiful Exuma Cays of the Bahamas. This is possibly the most beautiful part of the Bahamas, over 100 sun-drenched islets, consisting of one dazzling white sandy beach after another and endlessly changing ocean hues. Most of the islands are uninhabited and protected forever from development. Once in a while an island or property becomes available and it becomes possible for a new person to live the ultimate dream of owning their own tropical paradise. Steve has lived in the Exuma Cays for over ten years and is also the only licensed real estate agent living there.

BURLINGAME, CA -- 01/04/10 -- McGuire Real Estate, a San Francisco-based real estate company specializing in luxury real estate, announced the appointment of Geoffrey Nelson as sales associate in its Burlingame office at 360 Primrose Rd, Burlingame, CA.

Mr. Nelson joins McGuire from Cashin Company's Burlingame office where he was a consistent top producer. He has amassed many sales milestones in a stellar track record focusing on luxury listing representation and personalized services for buyers. In 2008, Geoffrey was the #2 ranked Cashin Realtor for Burlingame sales; and ranked #4 overall out of the top 100 Realtors for Burlingame sales. With a passion for technology and showcasing unique homes, Geoffrey is widely recognized as an influential leader in real estate marketing.

Before obtaining his real estate license, Geoffrey worked in the field of real estate marketing and advertising during the 1990s. Here he applied his skills in communications, design, and creative promotion that carry over to his real estate sales career today. He entered the real estate sales arena in 2001 and benefited from a 4-year partnership with one of the Peninsula's most esteemed Realtors, before expanding his business to new heights in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009.

Born in San Mateo and currently raising two boys ages 5 and 2 in San Mateo's Baywood area, Geoffrey's local roots as a Peninsula native continue to be an asset for his client representation. Geoffrey's wife Kamila hails from the Czech Republic and works in the French airline industry, providing the family a rich global perspective and continental travel agenda.

About McGuire Real Estate

McGuire Real Estate (www.mcguire.com) has been an integral part of the real estate scene in the San Francisco Bay Area, stretching back nearly 90 years. A mid-sized, regional boutique, McGuire specializes in luxury real estate but applies the highest standards of service to properties in every price range, and to every client. Its "customer first" philosophy and local focus have proved to be a winning formula for this Bay Area real estate leader. McGuire's affiliations with Luxury Portfolio and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, successfully connects McGuire's clients and agents to a worldwide marketplace. Luxury Portfolio is an exclusive network of luxury properties worldwide, and its parent company, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, is the largest global real estate network in the real estate industry. McGuire operates four offices in San Francisco, one in Mill Valley serving Marin County, one in Burlingame serving the Peninsula, and one in Oakland serving the East Bay.

Courtesy of: Rimontgó

Featured in Realty Sense

José Ribes Bas, CEO of Rimontgó, and José Miguel Martínez Medina, his counterpart at Valencian design firm JMM MOBISA MARTINEZ MEDINA, enjoy the view of Valencia’s iconic architecture as they meet to discuss the true meaning and value of style, comfort, luxury and excellence.

Both men form part of a proud family tradition in their respective fields, and both have taken their long-established and respected firms to new heights. Fifty years ago Inmobiliaria Rimontgó was a small pioneer property agency in Javea. Today, as the company celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, José Ribes and his brothers run a renowned estate agency with a prominent position in the regional market and an international reputation.

His long-time friend José Miguel Martínez-Medina similarly took the family furniture business, founded in 1906, to a new level, adapting with the times while proudly maintaining the values imbued by previous generations. JMM now ranks among the leading Spanish brands in luxury bespoke office furniture, high desking and interior design solutions, with both design and manufacture harmonised within the company’s Valencia base and Madrid Headquarters.

As professionals catering to a luxury market they are directly involved in issues of style, quality and luxury – terms that form a central part of their daily professional vocabulary. But how do we exactly define these concepts – not to mention their pursuit? Is the desire for luxury and beauty a wasteful frivolity or does it drive excellence in all of us? On a practical level: Where do you draw the line between form and function, and at what point does opulence become vulgarity?

Are we right to pursue luxury?

JMM: A lot depends on how you define such all-encompassing terms. The most common association is above all with items – items in term defined by cost, quality, rarity, status and beauty, though the latter can be and very often is subject to both fashionable trends and personal taste.

JRB: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, while fashion and trends try to create manageable avenues that channel our desires in a particular direction, be it for clothes, cars or décor. But luxury is more than the sum of beautiful items alone; it all adds up to a certain lifestyle, and it is this idea of lifestyle that we associate with luxury in general.

Is luxury always associated with wealth?

JMM: In the sense that most people picture a privileged lifestyle filled in with luxury items it is mostly associated with wealth. But there are also other forms of luxury and privilege that are often neglected but not necessarily less valid. As you grow older you realise that time is one of the great luxuries in life. The pleasure of having time to yourself is especially appreciated by those who have achieved wealth and material luxury but often at the cost of personal time.

JRB: Yes, it may sound rather philosophical to say that, for some, luxury can be something as simple as spending time with your children or grandchildren, having the time to socialise with friends or indulging in a pastime like fishing, but they are often exactly the things people with money and success miss or cherish the most.

Should we therefore be pursuing less material dreams?

JMM: Of course, but that’s like saying that you should eat more sensibly, exercise and not waste your time and energy bickering or worrying unnecessarily. Most of us will arrive at these realisations at some point in our lives, yet the drive to improve ourselves is still primarily manifested through a desire to attain more wealth, comfort, status and the lifestyle and recognition that comes with it.

Is this somehow shallow?

JRB: Naturally there should be a balance, but on the whole these are essential human drivers that have been around since the earliest of times. We are social and therefore competitive creatures, so we wish to do well, reap the rewards and attain position within our society. You can take it to negative extremes, but on the whole it’s an instinct that serves mankind well because it is the force behind most of our innovation, creativity and the desire to want to improve things.

JMM: Without these impulses the world would be dreary. There would be no desire to achieve excellence, to surpass ourselves or to produce things of great beauty and art. In a totally utilitarian world there is no merit in dreaming, and without dreams we lose the ability to conceive and realise great ideas. The few social experiments in this direction are chilling examples.

Courtsey of: LuxuryRealEstate.com

LuxuryRealEstate.com is proud to introduce our new member, HK Lane, representing the Coachella Valley in California.

For over 30 years, HK Lane has provided excellent service and knowledge regarding the desert cities of the Coachella Valley including Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta and Indio. Beyond their expertise of the local real estate market, HK Lane offers Real Estate Counseling, Staging Counseling, Contract Negotiation, Buyer and Seller Representation, and Property Touring Services as well as mortgage, escrow and title services.

HK Lane is renowned for its specialization in property types including residential single-family homes, apartments/condominiums, country club and golf course homes, new construction homes and many more.

For more information regarding HK Lane’s portfolio of luxury properties, please feel free to visit http://hklane.com/.

About Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate:

Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate is an invitation only network representing the best luxury real estate firms and professionals from around the world. Each affiliated member is carefully selected to represent his/her market area. Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate also hosts the industry leading Website www.LuxuryRealEstate.com (a 2009 Webby Award Honoree).