| Alinari at Rosemary Place :: Sarasota, FL :: View Details | |
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An eclectic enclave in the center of the arts, on the edge of the bay, in an unbeatable location, Sarasota is fast becoming one of the most desirable destinations on Florida's Gulf Coast. The appeal of this vibrant city and its intimate neighborhoods is hard to resist. In this artistic setting, nature provides the ultimate brushstroke, giving Alinari residents a private showing of brilliant emerald hues in the sparkling waters of Sarasota Bay and, from the top floors, the Gulf of Mexico. |
| Altura :: Asheville, North Carolina :: View Details | |
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With a focus on Wellness and Environmental Sustainability, our 240 acre development is located just seven (7) minutes from Downtown Asheville, NC, offering Grand Estate Homes, Condos, Villas, and Cottages - 85% have views! Amenities such as a proposed spa hotel, 24 hour concierge service, "Pathways to Peace" nature trails, park, garden area, swimming pools, restaurants and retail all add to hip urban living in the Mountains of North Carolina. |
| Aqua :: Naples, FL :: View Details | |
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With prices starting in the $2 Millions; Aqua, Naples' most elegant new address, offers a unique and private waterfront lifestyle for refined sensibilities, with amenities that include concierge services, a private yacht harbor with direct access and membership to Naples' most exclusive yacht club. |
| Ara Macao :: Placencia, Placencia Peninsula :: View Details | |
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The Ara Macao Resort & Marina, a master planned, residential resort community and marina, is located on the Placencia Peninsula on the southern coast of Belize, a sunny region highly prized for its great weather, turquoise water and beautiful sand beaches. The community is being developed on a 600+ -acre waterfront estate containing approximately one mile of Belize beachfront real estate on the Caribbean Sea. Contact us today to learn more about this rare opportunity. |
| Barker Block :: Los Angeles, CA :: View Details | |
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The Barker Block is a new living concept by The Kor Group, the creators behind some of the most contemporary and sought after hotels, destinations and designer residences. And now you can own this signature style in a home that showcases our obsession with design and detail, as well as our ability to create intriguing settings, social areas and gathering spaces. The Barker Block has been crafted to offer inspired homes and a true neighborhood living experience. |
| Bell Tower Park :: Fort Myers, FL :: View Details | |
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Bell Tower Park is an Award winning private gated community located in the heart of south Fort Myers. Minutes from fine dining, shopping and other retail shops. A park like setting of stylish carriage and courtyard homes, surrounding lakes and nature preserves. Residents enjoy an array of amenities including a 2 resort pools, tiki bar, 6,000 sf clubhouse, fitness center, social area, tennis courts and sport court, play area and miles of shaded nature trails. Attention to detail, included features, and architecal attention to details make this an outstanding community. |
| Bleu Claire :: Longboat Key, FL :: View Details | |
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Nestled along the pristine coastline of Longboat Key is a new level of exclusivity to define beachfront living, the taste of luxury, the reward for a lifetime of accomplishment: Your inspiration. Your dream. Your Bleu Claire. Designed to evoke the feeling of a retreat from the everyday, Bleu Claire on Longboat Key is inspired by the villas of the French Riviera. The community's understated elegance reflects the beauty of its natural surroundings and the enchanting views of the Gulf of Mexico. |
| Bonita Bay Highrises :: Naples, FL :: View Details | |
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Three waterfront parks; 12 miles of biking and walking paths; 90 holes of golf; private beach park on the Gulf of Mexico; tennis and swim center; fitness center; marina club with storage for more than 400 boats, fuel and service, a ship's store and restaurant; wine club; Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary for demonstrated excellence in environmental planning, wildlife-habitat management, resource conservation, waste management, and outreach and education. Four additional high-rises are in development. |
| Bridlegate Ranch :: Bandera, Texas :: View Details | |
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Bridlegate is conveniently located near the bustling community of Bandera yet poised amidst the Hill Country's scenic beauty along the gentle Medina River, Bridlegate features nearly 4 miles of Medina River frontage, 2 to 5 Acre homesites with premier riverfront homesites available, tremendous Hill Country views, majestic Live Oaks, quality covenants to protect the integrity of the land, clubhouse with pool, tennis court, fitness center, guest suites, equestrian facilities with riding trails and a private property owners' park on the river for tubing, fishing, and relaxing. Buyers can purchase now and build when ready as well as choose their own custom builder. Bridlegate is being developed by Southerland Communities, a premier developer of Hill Country acreage communities. |
| Brookfield Homes Hawaii :: Honolulu, HI :: View Details | |
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Brookfield Homes Hawai'i offers three exclusive resort communities on two of the Hawaiian islands; each of them are adjacent to gorgeous beaches, championship golf courses, tennis clubs, fine dining, and rejuvenating spas. Our communities also offer their own luxurious recreation villages designed for outdoor gatherings, swimming, and fitness. On the Island of Kaua'i we offer you Nihilani at Princeville and PiliMai at Po'ipu, resorts of unparalleled natural beauty. On the Big Island we offer you KaMilo at Mauna Lani, one of the most renowned resorts in the world. These three resort communities define what it means to feel at home in Hawai'i. |
| Chinquapin :: Cashiers, North Carolina :: View Details | |
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Nestled contentedly in a rolling expanse of the Cashiers area of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there exists a place where home settings and amenities emerge naturally from the land-as if they always have been. It's a place surrounded by pristine national wilderness, so you know it always will be. It's a place where new beginnings and new discoveries spring naturally from every moment out of the spectacular beauty that is Chinquapin. |
| Citrus Square :: Sarasota, FL :: View Details | |
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A new concept on in-town living is coming to a neighborhood set apart by a new pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streetscape with quaint open square and distinctive lampposts. Great city location on Orange Avenue just three blocks to Main Street. Walk to your favorite downtown Sarasota restaurants, shopping, and cultural arts. |
| Cliffs Communities :: Asheville,NC and upstate SC, North and South Carolina :: View Details | |
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Named CNBC's 2007 World's Best International Development, The Cliffs Communities include eight private, residential mountain-lake communities located between Asheville, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina, bordered by hundreds of thousands of acres of protected forests, crystal lakes, streams, and waterfalls. Members enjoy eight championship golf courses, spectacular clubhouses, restaurants, wellness centers and spa facilities. Plus, access to The Cliffs international vacation properties in British Columbia, Chile and the Bahamas. |
| Copper Ridge :: New Braunfels, Texas :: View Details | |
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Located just five miles west of New Braunfels on Highway 46 in the New Braunefels school district, Copper Ridge is a distinctive acreage community with homesites available on a ridgeline that offer spectacular long distance views with level building sites as well as homesites with large trees and open meadows. This community of 1+ acre tracts will also be secured with a gated and guarded entrance and will have curbed streets, high quality covenants and a homeowners' park with resort-style pool, pavilion, sports courts and walking trails. Buyers can purchase now and build when ready as well as choose their own custom builder or use one of Copper Ridge's designated showcase builders. Copper Ridge is being developed by Southerland Communities, a premier developer of Hill Country acreage communities. |
| Cristal Beach Resort :: Cabrera, Dominican Republic :: View Details | |
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Cristal Beach is a luxury residential condo resort on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic with the utmost attention to natural beauty and detail. We offer 2 and 3 bedroom units with the highest finishes along with all ocean views, direct beach access, resort style pool, jacuzzi and many more amenities for you and your guests. |
| Firefly Cove At Lake Lure :: Lake Lure, NC :: View Details | |
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Set within the natural beauty of Lake Lure and the surrounding grandeur of Chimney Rock State Park, Firefly Cove, with its rich historical past, offers its residents an unparalleled waterfront and mountain lifestyle. Residents will enjoy the Village Commons area which includes the Community Lodge with Billiards and Fireplace Gathering Lounge, Heated Swimming Pool and Outdoor Amphitheater. Also, all residents have direct lake access and may enjoy the Boathouse, Canoe and Kayak Area and Lakeside Docks for fishing, swimming or boating. |
| Florida Lifestyle Homes :: Fort Myers, FL :: View Details | |
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Florida Lifestyle Homes can provide one-stop shopping for your custom home in the most prestigious areas of Southwest Florida. We have used our financial strength and experience to inventory a substantial portfolio of spectacular home sites in Lee County's luxury home communities of Cape Harbour, Renaissance, Verandah, as well as, Collier County in Quail West, a Ginn Club community. If you are already an owner of a home site or if you have a home site in mind that is not in our inventory, we would be happy to build your dream home where ever you choose. We are proud to have been selected as a preferred builder in the most exclusive waterfront and golfing communities in Southwest Florida. |
| Hacienda :: Placida, Florida :: View Details | |
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Located between the tranquility of the sunrise over Charlotte Harbor and the fiery sunset on the Gulf of Mexico is a magical stretch of Florida's Intracoastal Waterway. Here lies Hacienda, the perfect Waterfront community Nestled among the oldest and most unique tropical destinations on Florida's Gulf Coast. |
| Hampton Lake :: Bluffton, South Carolina :: View Details | |
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Located in Bluffton, South Carolina, Hampton Lake is true lakefront living located minutes from Hilton Head Island, Beaufort and Savannah. The 165-acre freshwater lake with fifteen miles of shoreline, is surrounded by a 340 acre nature preserve, offering a total of over 500 acres of open space in this community of just over 900 acres. Lakeside Amenity Village was recently honored with the "Best Community in America" Award by The National Association of Homebuilders and Professional Builder Magazine. |
| Hermosa del Mar :: Playa Hermosa, :: View Details | |
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Located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, and only 20 minutes away from Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Hermosa del Mar is nestled along the sparkling sands of Playa Hermosa with crystal clear waters flowing across the exotic tropical scenery...soothing ocean breezes await you in what will without a doubt become your private refuge. |
| Hidden Harbor :: Fort Myers, FL :: View Details | |
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Unprecedented, Unparalleled, Unbelievable...All these words have been used to describe Hidden Harbor. Yet there are no words that fully do justice to the beauty, serenity and uniqueness of this one-of-a-kind residential community, conveniently located midway between Fort Myers and Naples. Come, experience Hidden Harbor's Unspeakable perfection yourself |
| Jade Condo Hotel Residences & Beach Club :: Manuel Antonio, :: View Details | |
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From its stunning perch overlooking the best of Manuel Antonio, Jade Resort Residences & Beach Club will become your personal connection to "Paradise on the Pacific". Jade (Wyndham) Condo Hotel Residences and Beach Club features 190 spectacular designer suites and a private beach club that rivals everything else in Costa Rica. |
| KaMilo at Mauna Lani :: Kohala Coast, HI :: View Details | |
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KaMilo at Mauna Lani a luxurious resort lifestyle with open spaces, outdoor living, awe-inspiring landscapes, and a true sense of community. Located within the world famous Mauna Lani Resort on the sun drenched Kohala Coast of the Big Island, Brookfield Homes Hawai′i is proud to offer KaMilo, a private, gated enclave containing a mix of single-family and paired homes ranging in size from 2,599 to 3,781 square feet. Our residences are configured with 2-4 bedrooms and up to 4.5 baths and all with 2-car garages. |
| Laguna at Riviera Dunes :: Palmetto, FL :: View Details | |
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Laguna at Riviera Dunes, situated directly on the beautiful Manatee River, offers a laid-back escape from downtown condominium living at an extraordinary price. Begin and end your day with breath-taking views of the Manatee River or the magnificent Riviera Dunes Yacht Basin. Enjoy relaxing by the pool and private clubhouse. And while you'll savor the casual Florida lifestyle, a short drive places you in the midst of fine dining, exquisite shopping and exciting cultural activities, making Laguna at Riviera Dunes the perfect seasonal or year round home. |
| Lely Resort :: Naples, FL :: View Details | |
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A close-to-everything Naples location, three championship golf courses and a cosmopolitan atmosphere amid lush natural surroundings has made Lely Resort one of the most sought after addresses in Naples. Lely Resort offers 13 spectacular unique neighborhoods. |
| LifeSmart Homes at Hampton Lake :: Bluffton, South Carolina :: View Details | |
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Introducing the Cottage Imagination Collection, the first single family homes in the LifeSmart Series, starting at $315,000. These efficiently designed, simpler, more environmentally conscious homes actually live larger while creating financial freedom by reducing living costs. You'll enjoy all the award-winning - newly completed - amenities offered at Hampton Lake, only now at prices nearly half of what you're used to seeing. |
| Mercato :: Naples, FL :: View Details | |
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Mercato is a main street community located on 53 acres designed to provide ultra-convenient, pedestrian friendly environment to those who reside there as well as the Naples community. Consisting of 92 units of residential over retail The Strada is reinventing urban living. 300,000 square feet of retail and boutiques space including a 50,000 square foot Whole Foods Market; renowned restaurants including Capital Grille; luxurious multiplex movie theatre and just minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. |
| Naples | 701 :: Naples, FL :: View Details | |
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Naples | 701 has a distinct tucked-away feeling that hits as soon as you enter the property. Every square foot of space is engineered for optimum use - from closet room to kitchen appliance placement, with sleek fixtures and bright spaces. It's everything you need, and nothing you don't. |
| Nihilani at Princeville Resort :: Princeville, HI :: View Details | |
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Find your home on Kaua'i's majestic North Shore, in this rare opportunity to live in highly acclaimed Princeville Resort. Nihilani comprises 100 thoughtfully crafted homes with golf course and Bali Hai views on this magnificent bluff between the mountains and the sea. These award-winning townhomes are beautifully designed in the plantation style to reflect indoor-outdoor living, while featuring current home innovations. Enjoy spacious lanais, two-car garages and a private outdoor recreation center situated within beautifully landscaped gardens. |
| Oasis :: Fort Myers, FL :: View Details | |
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At The Related Group we believe that the Oasis experience is made of moments. As your private luxury resort, Oasis is designed to capture those moments. Brilliantly placed on 17 acres of tropical paradise overlooking the Caloosahatchee River and surrounded by intriguing landscapes and breathtaking waterscapes, Oasis offers an unparalleled experience in luxury Gulf Coast Living. Whether taking a dip in your beach-entry swimming pool, boating on the Gulf of Mexico or calling the valet to bring your car for an evening of dining and theatre, each moment at Oasis will be filled with luxury touches and special experiences. |
| Ocean Springs Place :: Biloxi, Mississippi :: View Details | |
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Located in the #1 Emerging Market in the United States and eleigeible for GO Zone bonus depreciation benefits. A turn key operation for investors including property managment, forgiveable loans ( up to $73,000 )administered by SRAP through HUD. Our Ocean Springs development is sitting on 260 acres that is owned and designed by a local Ocean Springs developer and resident. The development is built with the end user in mind. Of the 779 total lots available, only 330 will be available to investors. 218 of which are luxury duplexes and 112 are brick single family homes with various floor plans and designs. |
| Pacifico :: Playas del Coco, Guanacaste :: View Details | |
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Pacifico. A reflection of all the good life has to offer. A place for the adventurer and the romantic. Well-planned for practical living with an exotic flair. A new place but not unfamiliar. Fresh ideas and possibilities surrounded comfort and quality. Careful consideration of the environment, the natural surroundings, the village neighbors and the sea ensure a harmonious existence will all that makes this place such a special place to live. Pacifico is a place to be discovered. Its amenities to be experienced. Its essence unable to be captured in words or in art. It's not natural. It's supernatural. |
| Paseo :: Fort Myers, FL :: View Details | |
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Paseo. The way to say "journey". Our way of saying a wonderful place to live. Stock Development presents an exciting new Ft. Myers community designed with a blend of inspired residences, all a stroll away from the Paseo Village Center. With plenty of places and spaces for family and friends to meet and celebrate life. Priced to move you! |
| Perrone Construction:: Sarasota, FL :: View Details | |
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As Sarasota's premier builder of luxury waterfront residences since 1980, Perrone Construction's reputation for unparalleled excellence is widely acknowledged throughout the community. Our dedication to quality and our commitment to our client remain as strong today as ever. Repeat clients and referrals from former clients account for a good deal of our business, and to our company, this is the highest compliment that we could receive. |
| Pili Mai at Po'ipu:: Koloa, HI :: View Details | |
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Experience ocean, golf course or mountain views at Po'ipu's newest neighborhood. Nestled amidst the fairways and greens of Kiahuna Golf Club, PiliMai offers the comfort and casual luxury of plantation-style architecture coupled with state-of-the-art amenities and a convenient location. Choose from seven inviting floor plans designed to maximize views and privacy, with a private recreational village to include pools, spa, exercise center and gathering pavilion. Discover the experience of island living on Kaua'i's sunny South Shore. |
| Roco Ki:: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic :: View Details | |
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Set along the dramatic headlands and pearl white beaches of the Dominican Republic's fabled eastern shore is a world that offers rich culture, awe-inspiring scenery and a wealth of adventure. This is the place that will redefine luxury living for a new generation. Here is a world where the past is honored; the present is celebrated; the future is boldly envisioned. Welcome to Roco Ki. |
| Savannah Preserve At University Place:: University Park, FL :: View Details | |
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Touch remarkable quality, enjoy spectacular design. Come exclaim over upgrade upon upgrade - acres of granite in kitchens and baths, glass block garden showers, lanais with incredible views from these brand new carriage-style condominium homes. Come hear yourself say the unheard of. "Finally. Now this is worth it." Not to mention, "What a terrific University Park location." Situated near Lakewood Ranch and the new University Town Center Mall. |
| Shadow Lakes:: Wills Point, Texas :: View Details | |
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Shadow Lakes offers a relaxed country lifestyle just 35 minutes from Dallas. Shadow Lakes' offers choice 1-5 acre homesites on open meadows, in secluded woodlands, or private lakesides. Shadow Lakes was designed to preserve the peaceful, natural setting of the Texas countryside. An unobtrusive infrastructure of underground utilities, a central water supply, and sensible covenants will help preserve the country experience. The community features two stocked lakes, community pool with pavilion, sports fields and walking trails in a private 200 acre property owners' park. Buyers can purchase now and build when ready as well as choose their own custom builder or use one of Shadow Lakes's designated showcase builders. Shadow Lakes is being developed by Southerland Communities, a premier developer of acreage communities. |
| Summer Cove on Siesta:: Siesta Key, FL :: View Details | |
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Only Summer Cove on Siesta offers sophisticated, modern, island living on Siesta Key that's move-in ready with a 100% money-back guarantee. While most high-end island communities in the area are selling ideas and pictures, Summer Cove offers buyers the real thing. And by real thing, we mean gorgeous landscapes, luxurious interiors, private elevators, exceptional water views, and the finest in modern, upscale amenities from the low $1 millions. |
| Sunset Falls at Bald Creek:: Waynesville, North Carolina :: View Details | |
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A 300 acre gated community ideally located between Asheville and Waynesville, Western North Carolina. Greeters cottage, gated entrance, paved roads, and underground utilities are in place. Elevations from 3,200 feet to 4,300 feet. Long range mountains views, gentle topography. Lots from 1.3 acres to 4.55 acres. Hiking trails are complete, crystal clear steams, and a planned clubhouse with fitness center, swimming pool, outdoor pavilion & BBQ area. The first two homes are under construction at this time, both over 3,000 square feet. |
| Tarpon Point Marina:: Cape Coral, FL :: View Details | |
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Tarpon Point Marina is a resort-style community featuring five unique residential villages of single family estate homes, coach homes, and condominium towers. These distinct neighborhoods are sculpted within the community's waterways, preserves and canals, taking full advantage of its spectacular setting at the southern tip of Cape Coral where the waters of the Caloosahatchee River and Glovers Bight empty into San Carlos Bay and the Gulf o f Mexico beyond. The focal point is an existing deep water marina offering direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Tarpon Point Marina also features The Resort at MarinaVillage Residents Club, a waterfront retail village with a 19 story luxury Residents Club, offering 1/12 fractional ownership and with resort and hotel services featuring waterfront restaurants, shopping, Esterra Spa and Salon. Daily boat shuttle to Fort Myers Beach, boat and Kayak rentals, charter fishing services, ship store and Harbor Master, Captains lounge. |
| TerraMont:: San Antonio, Texas :: View Details | |
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TerraMont is a hill country estate acreage community located in the vibrant and growing city of San Antonio. Poised on the ridgeline of the hills near La Cantera, most of TerraMont estates share a view of the spacious interior nature park and distant hills, while others have coveted views of the city skyline - especially dazzling at night. This is truly a unique opportunity to possess Hill Country property located within the city of San Antonio at great pre-development pricing. The community features a gated and guarded entrance, community pool with pavilion, sports courts and walking trails in a private property owners' park. Buyers can purchase now and build when ready as well as choose their own custom builder or use one of TerraMont's designated showcase builders. TerraMont is being developed by Southerland Communities, a premier developer of Hill Country acreage communities. |
| The Cove at Celo Mountain:: Burnsville, North Carolina :: View Details | |
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The Cove at Celo Mountain elevates the North Carolina mountain living experience to the peak of quality, beauty and enjoyment. Tucked in the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains approximately 35 minutes from Asheville, NC this dynamic, engaging, boutique community of luxury home sites, lots, villas and cottages is a property that wholly reflects its exquisite natural landscape. Located near historic Burnsville in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Cove at Celo Mountain offers a fully rewarding lifestyle and a grounded sense of community deeply rooted in regional values and traditions. Rediscover an America you thought was long gone; Discover a lifestyle where natural beauty meets simple elegance; Discover The Cove at Celo Mountain. Start making your "memories for a lifetime" today. |
| The Fairways at Savannah Quarters:: Pooler, GA :: View Details | |
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Epcon maintenance free , lock and leave community in Westbrook at Savannah Quarters. A private gated community on a Greg Norman signature golf course. Townhome's for active adults, young professionals, single again adults. |
| The Fitzgerald:: Asheville, NC :: View Details | |
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The Fitzgerald sits on storied grounds. A hallowed mountain setting that caught the eye of E.W. Grove nearly a century ago. This land became the inspiration and foundation for the legendary Grove Park Inn that still entices and charms visitors today as it has for generations. It is here, on this historic site, that The Fitzgerald living experience offers itself to a limited few fortunate enough to make this dream location their home. |
| The Ivy Naples Grande:: Naples, FL :: View Details | |
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For those who want Naples' exclusivity, championship golf and oceanfront elegance, there is The Ivy. Offering more than 3,000 square feet of living, the spacious homes feature the finest interior appointments and grand architectural details. While the private clubhouse provides the residents with the perfect place to meet and socialize with family and friends. |
| Vivante:: Punta Gorda, FL :: View Details | |
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Set in the heart of the tranquil coastal town of Punta Gorda, this luxury community features gorgeous condominium residences, a Grand Clubhouse, beautiful walking paths and magnificent views of Charlotte Harbor. |
| Western North Carolina Homes and Land:: Whittier, North Carolina :: View Details | |
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All our developments and lots have mountain views and or water views. One of our developments has direct river front lots. All lots have access to the Tuckasseeggee River via a 600' private recreational area. Our lots are the best around at great prices!! |
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The World's Top Developments by Robert J Russell
8 fat fighting foods
Combat fat! Your allies in battling bulge? Foods that do the work for you. These edibles have proven lipid-melting powers that help you slim. That's a win.
By Veronica Byrd
Almonds Almond joy! Dieters who ate 3 ounces of these nuts every day reduced their weight and body-mass index by a solid 18 percent compared with an 11 percent drop in the no-nut group, a study in the International Journal of Obesity found. Almonds are high in alpha-linolenic acid, which can speed the metabolism of fats. Stick to 12 per serving.
Berries Vitamin C-loaded fruit such as strawberries and raspberries can help you sizzle up to 30 percent more fat during exercise, suggests research from Arizona State University at Mesa. Blend a vinaigrette of 1 cup berries and ¼ cup balsamic vinegar.
See our tips about Real Estate: http://www.robertjrussell.com
Cinnamon This spice could make your waistline nice. Sprinkling ¼ teaspoon on your food may prevent a postmeal insulin spike-this increase normally occurs after you eat and "signals the body that it should store fat rather than burn it," explains Lauren Slayton, R.D., of New York City. Add a dash to your oatmeal, yogurt or coffee.
Mustard Hello, yellow. The spice that gives mustard its color, turmeric, may slow the growth of fat tissues, a study in the journal Endocrinology notes. Eighty-six mayo in favor of any mustard; sprinkle turmeric on cauliflower and roast for a tangy side.
Oranges Prevent pound creep with this citrus star: It contains fat-torching compounds called flavones. Women who ate the most flavones had a significantly lower increase in body fat over a 14-year period, a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds. Snack on slices or drink freshly squeezed OJ (with pulp!) for the biggest payback.
Soybeans These green gems are rich in choline, a compound that blocks fat absorption and breaks down fatty deposits. Add ½ cup edamame to a salad.
Sweet potatoes Trade up to sweet taters. They're high in fiber, which means no drastic insulin jumps and thus less fat packed onto your hips. Bake a small sweet potato-think of two bars of soap as a portion size-and top with a dollop of lowfat or nonfat cottage cheese.
Swiss cheese Holy cow: "Calcium-rich foods reduce fat-producing enzymes and increase fat breakdown," says Michael B. Zemel, Ph.D., director of the Nutrition Institute at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Put toe to toe with some of its cheesy counterparts, Swiss is a heavy hitter in the calcium department; layer a slice on a lunchtime sandwich, or stack some on high-fiber crackers.
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Friday, November 13, 2009
Are you avoiding the detours on the road to success ?
RISMEDIA, November 10, 2009-Here at Buffini & Company we've coached over 50,000 people in a one-on-one capacity, and have dedicated ourselves to studying, researching and supporting people through the growth process. One thing I've noticed recently is that people are taking a step back and beginning to examine some of the practices they employ in their business.
When the market is flying high and sticking a sign in the yard brings in multiple offers it can be easy to think you're doing better than you necessarily are. The harsh reality is, however, a tougher market always exposes the real truth behind how you're actually doing. And some of us have gotten off track. Below, I detail "The Five Detours on the Road to Success."
1. Lack of Accountability
Every human being does better with accountability because we truly cannot see our own shortcomings; outside perspective is the best way to gain clarity on our patterns.
2. Loss of Motivation
Motivation, by its very nature, is designed to dissipate so we need to seek it out continually. As my friend and mentor, Zig Ziglar, says: "Motivation is like bathing. You have to do it on a daily basis!"
3. In Need of Direction
Once you get things moving and gain some momentum you actually need more direction than you did when you were just starting out. This is borne out by countless people who work their whole life and have nothing to show for it.
4. Isolation
All you have to do is watch the "Animal Planet" documentary on predators in the wild to know how detrimental isolation can be: Predators never attack the pack; they always look for the isolated, hurt, wounded, and lost, the ones who've stopped moving forward. Self-employed people are more predisposed to this isolation than anyone else.
5. Drift
While "isolation" is a predator, "drift" is a killer; it's the "silent assassin" because we don't know how far and how fast we've drifted until something catastrophic happens.
As you can see, the "Five Detours" are things we all face and it can be easy to get off track in both business and our personal lives. But let's examine the solution side of things. If there are detours, then rest assured there are also rules of the road to get you back on track.
Stay on Track with These Rules of the Road
1. Stay Accountable
While it may not be natural to seek out accountability, let's just have a look at what happens in its absence. Tiger Woods - the greatest golfer in the world - recently missed the cut at the British Open. Just so happens it was the first time in five years he didn't bring his coach to a tournament.
2. Brainstorm and Network with Others
We humans do much better when we mastermind together, which is why we facilitate networking at our events, as well as in our Coaching programs and Small Groups. Surround yourself with positive, resourceful, successful people, because they'll lift you up rather than drag you down.
3. Plan Daily Doses of Motivation
Just think of your daily motivation like an essential vitamin, with nothing but positive, good-for-you side effects. Plan daily doses by listening to affirming CDs in your car or by reading good books - just a few lines here or there will go a long way.
4. Follow the System
You know you're in need of direction - everybody is. And we've developed a system that works. Now, I know that few people ever follow the system 100%, but what if that means you're missing out on a 30% jump in your income?! Would that be worth increasing your commitment to the lead-generation activities by just 10%? The Referral Systems work; but only if you do!
5. Work with a Coach
A Coach has the expertise, tools and strategies to help you get your business cranking. That accountability and direction will help you avoid drift - the deadly killer.
This much I do know…there's a reason our Coaching Members averaged $192,000 in income in one of the worst markets we've seen…
The fact that you're still in business means you have weathered the storm and, as I've said before, a recession is a terrible thing to waste. Follow the rules of the road and you'll be launching a great new year.
For more information: Visit http://www.robertjrussell.com
Monday, November 09, 2009
Obama Signs Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension
RISMEDIA, -President Barack Obama has approved the first-time homebuyer tax credit extension which will extend the tax credit until April 30, 2010.
The extension is part of a $24 billion economic stimulus bill that will extend the $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers who are purchasing their first home from the current November 30 deadline and expands the program to offer a credit of $6,500 to homeowners who have lived in their current home for at least five years and are seeking to relocate.
The following details apply to the homebuyer tax credit expansion:
Who is Eligible
-First-time homebuyers, who are defined by the law as buyers who have not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase, may be eligible for up to an $8,000 tax credit.
-Existing homeowners who have been residing in their principal residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight and are purchasing a home to be their principal residence ("repeat buyer"), may be eligible for up to a $6,500 tax credit.
-All U.S. citizens who file taxes are eligible to participate in the program.
Income Limits
Homebuyers who file as single or head-of-household taxpayers can claim the full credit ($8,000 for first-time buyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers) if their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is less than $125,000.
-For married couples filing a joint return, the combined income limit is $225,000.
-Single or head-of-household taxpayers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000, and married couples who earn between $225,000 and $245,000 are eligible to receive a partial credit.
-The credit is not available for single taxpayers whose MAGI is greater than $145,000 and married couples with a MAGI that exceeds $245,000.
Effective Dates
-The eligibility period for the tax credit is for homes purchased after Nov. 6, 2009, and before May 1, 2010. However, home purchases subject to a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010, will qualify for the tax credit provided closing occurs prior to July 1, 2010.
Types of Homes that Qualify
-All homes with a purchase price of less than $800,000 qualify, including newly-constructed or resale, and single-family detached, townhomes or condominiums, provided that the home will be used as their principal residence. Vacation home and rental property purchases do NOT qualify.
Tax Credit is Refundable
-A refundable credit means that if the amount of income taxes you owe is less than the credit amount you qualify for, the government will send you a check for the difference.
-For example:
-A first-time buyer who qualifies for the full $8,000 credit who owes $5,000 in federal income taxes would pay nothing to the IRS and receive a $3,000 payment from the government. If you are due to receive a $1,000 refund, you would receive $9,000 ($1,000 plus the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit).
-A repeat buyer who owes $5,000 would pay nothing to the IRS and receive $1,500 back from the government. If you are due to get a $1,000 refund, you would get $7,500 ($1,000 plus the $6,500 repeat buyer tax credit).
-All qualified homebuyers can take the tax credit on their 2009 or 2010 income tax return.
Payback Provisions
The tax credit is a true credit. It does not have to be repaid unless the home owner sells or stops using the home as their principal residence within three years after the purchase.
The www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com site is being updated. Check the site next week for more detailed information on the new tax credit.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
What Realtors can learn from Football
Are You Ready to "Tackle" Your Way to the Top?
Thankfully, the college football season kicked off this past week. As a huge sports fan, this just may be my favorite time of year. Between college football, professional football (kicking off this week), baseball pennant races, the PGA and NASCAR playoffs and hockey training camps, the Fall is a great time to be a sports fan. It's also a great time to be a Realtor.
Proper Expectations are Created During the Recruiting Process
When you became a Realtor, what were your expectations? My guess is no one gets started hoping to be "just average." Maybe you didn't necessarily want to be the superstar but you certainly wanted to be on a great team and have a chance to earn playing time.
College programs look for players with the right skills, work ethic and personalities that they can combine with the players they already have and the systems they run to continue to work towards a championship season. It also helps to understand a team's "system" so they can make sure the players that are recruited will fit in nicely. They promise to train, coach, provide maximum exposure to the best tools available and welcome you to their school and family of alumni, fans and supporters.
Real estate brokers should be doing the same thing, especially in today's ever-changing landscape. If you're with a full service company, you probably met with a Branch Manager or Recruiting Coordinator who discussed how the company can help you get to where you want to be with substantial training, coaching, maximum Internet exposure and national branding.
Training Camp - Turning "Role Play" into "Game Play"
I have never heard of many players who look forward to the grueling days of pre-season training camp. Sure, they are excited to be back with their teammates, back on campus (their "home away from home") and just weeks away from starting another season. In August, everyone starts with an equal chance of hoisting the National Championship trophy at the end of the season. But unless they love pain, they're never looking forward to two-a-day practices, wind sprints and coaches in their faces for three weeks.
It is clearly evident once the season kicks off that the players (and teams) who give 100% effort in this phase of their season will earn the biggest payoff once the games begin. As the old saying "practice the way you play" infers, the more you can put yourself in "game situations," the more prepared you'll be.
Does your company offer a thorough training program? Do you take advantage of training opportunities such as scripting sessions, skill building workshops and on-line educational opportunities? Do you have a written business plan showing how your "season" is going to play out? Are you "lifting weights" by practicing scripts, learning about contractual changes and studying market inventory so when you're in a game situation, you'll react accordingly?
Just like most football players don't like the sweat equity required in August, they know it will help them in the trenches of a close battle with a equally prepared conference foe late in the season.
Will you be ready when face-to-face with a Seller who has a tough objection? Will you be confident when a co-op agent send you a counter offer and tells you you're in "multiple offers"? Will your training help you "act" like a skilled professional instead of "react" like a Rookie when it counts?
Preseason Rankings Matter...But That's Why They Play the Games
Do you ever wonder how people who are part of those pre-season rankings determine who gets their votes? Do they base it on the number of players returning each season? Do they look at the schedules of each team and try to determine the number of wins and losses each team will have? Do they vote for their favorites or perhaps their alma mater?
It certainly helps to start the season towards the top of the rankings because if you do what you're supposed to do (i.e. win games), you'll be at the top when the season ends. If you lose however, you'll need to climb back over people...sometimes with victory and sometimes with a little pizazz and P.R. for good measure.
Much of a team's pre-season rankings can be attributed to their reputation. Can the media (or those voting) count on you handle the pressures of a big game or will they assume you'll choke in a pressure situation? Many people didn't think BYU could beat Oklahomaduring opening week but a untimely injury to Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford and a determined effort by Max Hall and his underdog BYU Cougars led to the first big upset of this season.
What does your personal marketing say about you? Will people have a preconceived belief about you before they meet you? Are you playing for one of the "big names" in town or will you need to have a few "upsets" to start becoming known as a challenger?
One thing is for sure - people love an underdog, so don't worry about your pre-season rankings. A skilled, confident and determined agent can deliver a quality presentation to any Buyer or Seller with the proper preparation. Just don't get caught reading your own press clippings and start believing how good you are. All it takes is one slip up to dramatically affect a season. Treat each client as if they are the only "game" on your schedule and deliver the services you know you can with enthusiasm, energy and service.
League championships and individual awards can't be won in week one but that can be lost. Titles aren't given out during the season just like commission checks won't be earned during a deal, so always be prepared for fourth quarter comebacks and pre-closing obstacles. Until the clock strikes zero or the HUD-1 statement has been signed, remember that the ball is still in play.
Your Schedule Plays a Big Role in Your Success
It's been said by many "experts" that Florida's schedule this season sets up well for the Gators to return to the National Championship game at the end of the season. As a Florida alum (Class of 1991) I am very proud and excited for our chances but will certainly reserve getting too excited until they arrive in Pasadena in January 2010.
In many cases, these schedules are determined years in advance, usually before any of the current players were even a candidate for recruitment. College players don't get to choose who they will play but once that first ball is kicked off in early September, play the games they must.
No questions asked, no excuses about "not being ready," and certainly a team would never just not show up.
A Realtor will be much more likely to succeed when they prepare and follow a consistent schedule. There are basically two sets of activities that should be on most Realtor's schedules: Business Development and Business Support.
What area do you think most agents spend their time on? That's right...business support. Where do you think they should be spending most of their time, effort and energy? You got it...business development.
You see, business support activities will never tell you "no!" Business support activities are easier and usually don't involve any self-esteem impacting events. But it won't take the business-saavy agent long to realize that without business development, there will be no "business" to support.
In addition to the weekly business meetings that will keep you updated with your office, company and industry, a schedule should involve prospecting activities (lead generation calls, follow up visits to FSBO's and Expired listings), listing appointments and buyer counseling sessions, showings and closings. It will also require time for coaching, training, script practice, follow up, inspections and computer research.
Just like a balanced team will need to practice offense, defense and special teams, a good Realtor should be sure to include personal activities into his or her schedule including things like church, children's activities and appointments.
Avoid the Big Injury
Just like Oklahoma will need to proceed without their Heisman Trophy winning QB Sam Bradfordfor an undetermined portion of their schedule, making sure you stay in "playing condition" throughout the season will be a huge key.
Be sure to find some time in your schedule for physical exercise, maintain a healthy diet and listen to your body. Until you've been in this business for a while, you never realize how exhausting the role of a Realtor can be. Don't succumb to the fast paced, fast food filled world of real estate. One sure way to avoid exhaustion is to drink plenty of fluids.
Buy In to What the Coaches Say...and Don't Believe What the Media Might Say
In football and in real estate, your coaches/managers are looking out for your best interests. Magazines, reporters and web sites are looking to sell papers or gain subscribers and readers.
Good coaches and managers will help hold you accountable to the activities needed to achieve the levels of success you desire or expect (see above). They will strive to show you how your actions can positively affect your future.
The media will usually provide detailed accounts of what wasn't done and who was negatively affected.
Only you can choose who you will listen to.
Play with Emotion...Play to Win
No matter how loud the crowd cheers or no matter how good the band sounds playing the fight song, the success of a team will be determined by how well it executes once the whistle blows. Don't winning teams play with passion and enthusiasm? Don't winning teams execute each and every play as if it determines the outcome of the game? Don't winning teams have leaders who step up and challenge their teammates, encouraging them to give it all they've got?
The same philosophy applies to Realtors. No mater how shiny your name tag, what type of car you drive or who designed your suit, it still boils down to how well you know how to deal with people. Are you excited to help people achieve their goals? Are you confident in your ability to help people solve their real estate problems? Do you believe you are the best person for the job?
It's Game Time
So there you have it...a few things that Realtors can learn from college football. As the cool temperatures of Fall arrive and people break out their college sweatshirts to cheer their schools on, think about the "big game" you're facing in your real estate career right now. We're just a few ticks away from the 4th quarter - where games are often won or lost. Will you be ready to execute when your number is called?
Good luck to you and your team as you move through the season.
Down...set...hike!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Luxury Real Estate
While most luxury real estate marketing professionals are still reeling from the downturn in the market and working harder than ever just to keep up, some are seeing the enormous opportunity that the new era of the internet has to offer and they are starting to reach for the gold ring. Yes, there is a gold rush out there. But, what may not be obvious is what the new gold looks like and how to find it.
The new gold is all about identifying an uncontested niche in your marketplace where you can add extraordinary value; then staking your claim to ownership of that new market space. It is about cashing in on who you are, what you are most passionate about and leveraging the new media tools to reach and connect with your ideal clients in a focused manner.
What Is the Catch?
You need to know who you are, what you stand for, what you are passionate about what you can do better than anyone else in your marketplace. You need to discover you unique voice. Only then will the new media tools make any sense to you in terms of their potential to tap the gold reserve that awaits you. The tools are meaningless otherwise. Only when you become "follow-worthy" will you attract and retain your audience, and also convert that audience into cash flow.
You Must Discover Your Golden Voice
The blog is a great example of a new media tool that is useless without knowing your unique voice. Luxury real estate agents have been hearing, for a couple years, that they need to blog. They have been promised that Google will magically send traffic to their sites if they just spew "content". Never mind that the content that they are writing about or the stories they are reporting are of any interest to a target market. Forget the idea of original content. After mindlessly regurgitating other people's information, most agents abandon their blogs within 60 days concluding that it was a waste of time and was of little value in terms of generating immediate leads, let alone transactions.
What an awesome tool the blog is for those who have discovered their unique "golden" voice, a voice that is "follow-worthy"! Blogs offer anyone the opportunity to become a syndicated columnist because followers can subscribe to their "column", keep up on the latest installments and also engage in discussion with the author and other followers. Plus, it is virtually free! So, is the help you can get from your silent marketing partner, Google. Google wants to help create a perfect match between you and your potential audience, your ideal potential clients because they sell more ads when users experience better search results.
Right now, there is an abundance of unexploited marketing niches right under your nose, where you can become the undisputed market leader. But, you will not perceive these untapped "gold mines" if you do not know your own mind. You first need to discover your own golden voice.
For more information on Luxury & International Properties visit: http://www.robertjrussell.com
Monday, October 26, 2009
Can a Blog Help your Business ?
So you have been thinking of creating a blog right ? Well, the time is now to get a blog. A blog, if done right, can act as a
direct and indirect mechanism that brings large amounts of qualified visitors to your site, many of whom may become customers. This is mostly related to the way blogs interact with search engines and the traffic I am speaking of will come from search engines, mostly Google. Before I explain how you can do this to help your website, let me first give some background on how search engines work, Google in particular. When it comes to optimizing your website (or blog for that matter) for search engines you must always keep in mind two things: on-page optimization and off-page optimization. On-page optimization is the elements of a Web page that better optimize it to be found and ranked well in the search engines. These elements can include on-page content such as the actual sentences and paragraphs on the page, the headlines (or headers or Hx tags), the links, the links' text, the title tag and much more. Off-page optimization means the things that are done on sites besides your own, namely link-building. Off-page optimization is the process of creating links (or causing others to create links)on other websites that point to your site. Inbound links as these are often called have a major impact on how well you rank in search engines. Generally speaking, the more inbound links, the better. But the quality of the sites with these inbound links, or the way the search engines perceive the sites, is even more important. To rank on the first couple of pages on the search engines requires work on both on-page and off-page optimization. Two additional and important pieces of information that you'll need to understand are related to site content and internal links. Search engines also very much love new, original and quality content, and they like to see your website regularly adding this kind of new content. You don't need to add pages every day, just add pages at the same rate over time. So if you add a page a week to your site, keep it at around that same pace, or increase or decrease gradually. A website can be considered a living entity in a sense. It certainly shouldn't be static. It should grow over time. And the fantastic thing about content is that the more of it there is on your site, the more chances you have of getting found in the search engines. The idea that inbound links help your search engine rankings that I explained above can be extended to your own internal pages as well. In other words, the more links to a particular page coming from other pages within the same site will boost that page's rank as well. Think of it this way. If you had a ten page site, including a product page and every page on the site contained a link to your product page and, if all other things were equal, your product page would rank higher than the rest of your site's pages (besides the home page which is given a little extra weight). Now let's consider what would happen if there were only you and your competitor in your industry (if only that could be true!) and your site still had those ten pages while your competitor's site contained one hundred pages. Furthermore, your competitor set it up the same way as you where he added a link to every page on his site that pointed to his product page. If all other things were equal, his product page would outrank your product page every time. Why? Because he had 100 internal links pointing to his product page and you only had 10. If you put all these pieces together now, on-page optimization, off-page optimization or link building, content creation and internal linking, can you begin to see why a blog may be a good thing? A blog helps with all of these. A blog that is regularly updated is providing a mechanism for adding fresh content on a regular basis. Plus, it's so easy to use a blog that anyone can use them, so even if you or your employees don't know a thing about Web pages and HTML, you'll still be able to add new content to your site. Consider this. If you add fresh, quality content to your blog on a regular basis by writing posts, something the search engines love, and within each post you link to an important page within your site, let's say your product page for instance, you're now building links to help your rankings using your blog. With this additional link your product page gets that much more boost in the search engines. Remember how I explained that links from within your own site help your rankings? Adding links within your blog posts pointing back to your other important pages that you want to rank well is a great way to help your rankings. And every time you publish a new post, you're giving the search engines one more entry point into your site. Your site will quickly get bigger, and with each new page your site gets more visible. Keep in mind that the links you make within your blog posts should be relevant. Only link to your product page from a post that has to do with your products. And also, blog posts ought to be useful to your site visitors. The less you talk about your products and instead offer useful, free information that people can use, the more traffic and repeat visitors you'll get. Remember that people really don't care about you, your website or your products, they only care about how you can help them. If you sell furniture, a blog post about how to find the best deals on furniture would be far better than a post about how your chairs are the best in the world. One important thing to remember is that if you plan on creating a new blog for your business as a way to augment your website be sure you put the blog on your actual domain. This means that you would not use a remote service like Blogger.com. Instead, you must have the blog on your business website's address (or domain). For example, if your website address is http://www.yoursite.com/ then your blog should be located at http://www.yoursite.com/blog or http://blog.yoursite.com/ By adding a blog to your business website you are creating a way to get more traffic. You'll get direct traffic from your posts, which get indexed by the search engines and drive traffic to your site from searches. And, you'll get indirect traffic from your other site's pages ranking well in the search engines because they have links pointing to them from your blog posts. You'll be regularly adding fresh content to your site, which search engines love, thereby creating more ways to be found in the search engines at the same time. And each post provides a new opportunity to create a link or two to other pages and blog posts on your site, thereby boosting those pages' rankings. Like I suggested at the beginning, if your business website doesn't have a blog, go get one.
Visit http://www.robertjrussell.com
Thursday, October 22, 2009
A Day of Computer Prohibition!
Imagine a day coming to the office and discovering that the Internet lines are down. Is it still possible for companies to operate in these circumstances? Definitely a bad day for the average company big or small, but these circumstances would be very different for the Internet marketer. Let us see why.
Not withstanding the fact that many big companies such as hospitals, airports managements do have their private "generators" to deal with such situations, the computer in the office world can be summed up in three grand chapters namely communications, information and data processing. For the Internet marketer, if these basics are obviously similar they do not tie him down to his computer due to him having created an automatic follow-up for the majority of them.
It would be interesting to test a day in the office with no Internet access. Are people still capable of hand-writing a message to their colleagues, using a flowchart or even conceiving one? How many offices out there have foreseen an emergency plan and are set-up for such a day, heaven forbid and is it conceivable? My point is that we are very much addicted to our computers granted that they do increase the speed of daily chores, they have albeit indeed stolen human contacts and personal touches and have made every monthly bill from these conglomerates all but humane.
Conversely, the Internet marketer - and we all need to be one* - should enjoy a day or two of computer prohibition sprinkled into our weekly lives. We would use that time very productively by visiting our friends, taking a walk and thereby doing some public relations (in a small manner) as well as taking a little distance from our business to conceive some possible improvements to its approach and future; business that in any case runs without our constant presence, because that is how it must be setup. One website, an auto-responder are the basics, and upon these two essentials an empire can be build with all compatible ramifications that in time get included. The "job" of the marketer will then profit from when the office is closed due to the dreaded local Internet failure.
To find out about internet online marketing visit http://www.robertjrussell.com
Monday, October 19, 2009
SEO - Search Engine Optimization
Learning how to get rated by the search engine can be a daunting task. What I have learned is that you don't need to be an expect. Learn to do what you are good at, writing, sales, coaching etc. Get some good content going. Get your blog SEO ready. Start to look for info on You Tube and Google for free, on how to get your site listed on the first page of Google. I have found many free You Tube video that show me how to get higher ranking. Also you can shop around to get out sourcing prices to have someone do it for you. There are so many opportunities and ways to use search engine optimization. Get a coach to help you with things that are hard for you. Start writing out a plan of action steps that you can do daily. A Daily method of operation. Include at these one action step for SEO. Just relax and take one step at a time. You can do it!
Monday, October 12, 2009
$8000 Home Buyer Tax Credit
Another quick blog post for We Did It Again Group Blog:
Quick passage by the House last week of a bill extending the $8,000 home buyer tax credit next year for military, diplomatic and intelligence personnel serving overseas increases the odds that Congress will agree to an extension, maybe even an expansion, of the entire credit program well into 2010.
The White House is also signaling that it sees the overall tax credit program -- currently set to expire November 30 -- as an important element in cutting the unemployment rolls and stimulating new jobs next year.
After an economic policy strategy meeting last week in the Oval Office involving President Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, congressional aides said Democrats generally support an extension of the housing credit.
Reid already has made clear he wants an extension. He is co-sponsoring a Senate bill that would do so for six months.
Congressman Charles Rangel, chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, sponsored the one-year extension of the credit for military and other personnel serving overseas, and is reported by aides as favoring an extension for the entire program.
The White House has not publicly committed to an extension, but has confirmed that the President is seriously examining that option.
An unexpected development that emerged following last week's White House meeting was the possibility of opening up the credit to a broader group of buyers next year - people who sell their current homes and buy a replacement home.
Though details were scanty, Capitol Hill sources said one option on the table would be to provide a tax credit -- most likely at the $8,000 level -- to replacement home buyers whose incomes do not exceed some limit.
The current credit phases out for single taxpayers with incomes above $75,000, and married purchasers earning $150,000.
A politically sensitive issue hovering over the entire debate on extending the housing tax credit is its cost - what it would add to the federal budgetary deficit. Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Economy.com, estimates that widening the credit to all buyers through next August could cost the government upwards of $30 billion.
Rangel's 12-month extension of the credit for service personnel is estimated to cost more than $300 million, but it's mainly being paid for through an increase in penalties levied by the IRS on taxpayers who fail to file corporate or partnership returns.
The New York Times reported that one possible solution to the cost problem would be to divert money not yet spent out of 2009's $800 billion stimulus legislation.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Home Value by Square Foot
One of the biggest determining factors in determining comparable value is square footage.
When comparing the square footage of homes always try to keep comps as similar in square footage as possible. Figuring out the price of a home on a square footage basis is an excellent way to compare apples with apples. It becomes more complicated when one home has been renovated and another needs work. Don't compare a newly built home's price per square foot with an older home's price per square foot.
There's Square Footage and There's Square Footage
A square foot is defined as a two-dimensional square measuring one foot on each side. If you are looking at a home that seems a little smaller than the stated square footage, it might not be your eyes. Real estate brokers tend to measure square footage by inside room dimensions. Developers like to measure the exterior of the building. This can add considerable square footage to the home.
You also need to find out exactly what has been factored into the equation. Does the total measurement include basement space? Garage space? Deck space? Space on staircases? There's no standard way to measure square footage. Sellers will include every nook and cranny and buyers won't.
Do not solely compare the size of the land the property sits on and the price of the property. Lots sell for different prices than homes and the cost varies greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood. For example, if the house is in terrible shape, or is considered a "tear-down," a developer may only want to pay for the price of the lot, since tearing down and hauling away the existing structure is an added expense.
Side-by-Side Comparison
In some areas of the country, agents do not want to be liable for representing a total square footage of the property. Total square footage is not indicated on the listing sheet, but room dimensions are shown. The room count may not include bathrooms, hallways, closets, and other spaces. You might have to compare every room side by side and guesstimate total size.
In this instance, estimate the total square footage by multiplying the dimensions of each room. For example, if the bedroom is 10 feet by 12 feet, then the area, or square footage, is 120 square feet. Add up all of the room dimensions for a total square foot measurement. You may still have to estimate hallways and other spaces, but it gives you a good estimate.
After determining the size of the home you desire, the equation is simple. Just divide the listing price by the number of square feet and you will get the price per square foot. For example, a 1,000-square-foot condo priced at $300,000 costs $300 per square foot.
It's always to your advantage to buy a home with a reasonable cost per square foot. A home with a square footage cost lower than other homes in the neighborhood might be a great deal. On the other hand, the home may have a lot of other things wrong with it that need renovation, and unless you had remodeling in the budget, it might not be worth it to you.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Total Number of Home Listings Down in August
RISMEDIA, September 24, 2009-The number of homes for sale declined nearly 3% in August 2009, compared to July, and is down more than 23% compared to a year ago,
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Short Sales Spread across Real Estate Market, Leaving Frustration in Their Wake
RISMEDIA, September 26, 2009-(MCT)-A few years ago, few people in the housing market had ever heard of a short sale. Mention the term today and people, whether they are homeowners or real estate agents, just roll their eyes.The practice, which involves selling a property for less than the amount owed on the mortgage, has grown in popularity as an exit strategy for financially strapped homeowners because it doesn't ding a credit report as deeply as a foreclosure. But because the transactions have to be approved by first and second lien holders,
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