Luxury Real estate

2009 Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate Fall Conference – Jim Walberg’s Reflections!

For the past fourteen years Luxury Real Estate, and John Brian Losh – President and CEO, have produced an opportunity in the Fall for member-Brokers to gather in various luxury locations throughout the United States to share best practices and to expand relationships with the elite Realtors from around the world.  This year’s Fall Conference was held in Bachelor Gulch, Colorado at the Ritz Carlton  with the entire Luxury Real Estate staff creating an unforgettable experience for the attendees.  Jim Walberg has participated in the last five Luxury Real Estate conferences and has found them to be an invaluable contribution to the growth of his real estate companies. Read more

Luxury Real estate

2009 Webby Awards Honoree – LuxuryRealEstate.com!!!

Jim Walberg reminds that the Webby Awards are the most respected symbol of success on the Internet.  The 13th Annual Webby Awards received over 9,000 entries from all 50 states and over 60 countries worldwide!

I just received news that Luxury Real Estate was awarded 2009 Webby Award Honoree recognition this week in the Real Estate category – for excellent “content, structure and navigation, visual design, functionality, interactivity and overall experience”!  I am so honored to be a member of this important organization that serves the luxury real estate needs of the world.

LuxuryRealEstate.com  was awarded “Most Prestigious Real Estate Website”  by the Luxury Institute in 2008 and it is with great pride that we continue to lead the crowded online real estate space to stay ahead of our competition to become the only luxury real estate website that is recognized in the 2009 Webby’s!

The Luxury Real Estate web department is a strong and creative group and with the prestige that accompany an “Official Honoree”  selection.  This group of professionals has made LuxuryRealEstate.com join the ranks of the Web’s best and brightest team of professionals, putting LuxuryRealEstate.com in the esteemed group of industry leaders such as Amazon.com, eBay, Yahoo!, iTunes, Google, FedEx, BBC News, CNN, MSNBC, The New York Times, NPR, Salon Magazine, Evite, Meetup, Wikipedia, Flickr, ESPN, Comedy Central, PBS, and The Onion.

The 2009 Webby Awards’ judges included David Bowie, Harvey Weinstein, Arianna Huffington, Matt Groening, Internet inventor Vinton Cerf, Twitter co-founder Biz Stone, Virgin Group Chairman Richard Branson, and R/GA Chairman and CEO Bob Greenberg.  Contact me for more information about how LuxuryRealEstate.com can benefit the marketing of your real estate.

Luxury Real estate

East Bay Real Estate – Global Internet Marketing Works!

Because of Jim Walberg’s focus on a global internet marketing strategy, we are serving Buyers from all over the world.  The latest Buyer called from Greece last month.

We have a very focused internet marketing strategy for our San Francisco Bay Area and Caribbean real estate services.  In addition, our participation as members of the exclusive Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate  allows us to have all of the properties we represent on LuxuryRealEstate.com  - the worlds most viewed website for luxury real estate throughout the world.  That one website receives between three to four million hits a month!

So, here is the rest of the story regarding the latest home that we sold in Blackhawk Country Club.  You may recall I was in Paris  last January speaking at the Luxury Real Estate’s international conference.  Just before we left for Europe we received a phone call and immediately picked it up.  It was from a man calling from Greece who had found us on the internet and he was looking for a single story home.  We happened to have a single story listing in Blackhawk Country Club.  ( The key to any of the inquiries from our internet listings is an immediate response.  Most of the time we answer the call immediately when it comes in. ) 

Our new client calling from Greece let us know he wanted to purchase a home for his parents who lived in the East Bay, because he wanted them closer to his younger brother’s family who lived in San Ramon.  At first we thought it was some type of a joke.  But, as the subsequent conversations continued, he told us he was flying out on a Friday and wanted to complete the purchase by Sunday night.  He did exactly as he said.  We met him at the home,  he previewed it, and he asked us to write up a purchase contract for it.  Within just a few hours the transaction had been accepted by our Seller.  It just closed escrow several weeks ago.

The added fun to this story is our Buyer was making this purchase without his parents knowing about it.  Since it closed escrow, we arranged for new hardwood floors; travertine; bathrooms; window coverings, and interior painting.  The Buyer even had ordered very item a home would need and had it shipped to the home; silverware, appliances, linens, towel, outdoor furniture, light fixtures, etc.  Everything was prepared for a turn key move in by his parents.

He just flew in from Greece a few days ago in order to prepare the home for a “Welcome Home” party for his parents.  He told his parents that he wanted them to join him at a friend’s home in Blackhawk to celebrate the birthday of their grandson.  They still didn’t know the home was for them. They arrived, thinking that it was the home of their son’s friend and they brought presents for their grandson.  After taking them on a tour of the spectacular home, and having some appetizers and wine, the son broke the news to them that the home was actually a gift to them.  They were speechless, and there were lots of tears, and non-stop comments such as, “You should not have ever done such a thing for us.” 

This was one of those magical moments that happen from time to time while we are serving the needs of our customers.  And, it would have never happened if we didn’t have a laser focused global internet marketing program.  Plus, always getting back to the people who contact as fast as possible.  Contact me  if you ever have questions or need assistance.  Until next time…more good news to follow regarding how we are coming out of these challenging economic times…

Luxury Real estate

Some East Bay Real Estate Is On The Slippery Slide Of FEAR!

Once you get on the Slipper Slide Of Fear, it is difficult to get off!  Please stay off that slippery slide!

So, I picked up USA Today  last Saturday on my flight to the Luxury Real Estate  Fall Conference in Philadelphia where I was a presenter. The USA Today headline was, “FEAR is a slippery slide!” In some of my past comments I have used the sailor’s mantra, “Do not be fearful!”   It still applies today,  in spite of an almost 900 point recovery on the Dow Jones the past two days.  Don’t forget…once one steps on the “slippery slide” of fear,  the momentum carries you away very quickly.

The voice of experience, the voice of the local authority, and the voice of credibility can still prevail.  And, we are the ones that need to be that voice. I just completed a walk from the Philadelphia Ritz Carlton  to Constitution Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other reminders of the work our founding farthers did on our behalf 230+ years ago. What an inspiring day!  ( You may recall this is the organization who is the acknowledged authority of luxury real estate!  It was founded by Brian Losh with a vision of connecting the best luxury Realtors in the world – 1,900 members from 63 countries.)

Do you think they were afraid? Of course they were. But, the consequences of letting fear paralyze them from action was not an acceptable option. Instead of the “slippery slide” of fear taking them away from the liberty and freedom they so dearly wanted for our country, they discovered – step by step, the actions needed to create the most incredible democracy in our world’s history.  It was very hard.  Thousands of lives were lost as part of that payment for liberty.  And, the founding fathers never lost site of end result that was required – FREEDOM!

There is a book I have enjoyed reading several times – “The Tipping Point”. They have a very insightful analysis of Paul Revere’s ride in Boston a few days before the Revolutionary War was officially declared.  His ride was so effective that it mobilized the citizens along his route in a manner that called them to action in stopping the British from confiscating their arms stored in Concord. Did you know there was a second rider who was sent in a different direction to alert another section of Massachusetts immediately prepare to defend Concord. Does anyone remember his name? In fact, I had never heard of him before I read “The Tipping Piont”. He was totally and utterly ineffective to a call to arms.

What was the difference between these two men with similar intentions? Paul Revere was one of the most respected local authorities on what was happening within the colonies which he believed required a liberation movement to break away from British Rule – even if it meant war. I would like to be as effective as Paul Revere during these uncertain economic times. We are the local citizens calling our “citizens” to action in order to work through the financial crisis we are in.  Will you join me as we serve our clients and communities, and help them off the “Slipper Slide Of Fear?” ( You get bonus points if you email me with the other freedom rider’s name whose ride was a waste of time. )  Contact me with your thoughts.  Until next time…

Luxury Real estate

East Bay Real Estate Photos Allow You To Experience Them From Your Computer!

Ilya Moshensky is one of the finest real estate photographers that I have met!

I first met Ilya at the Luxury Real Estate conference in Del Mar, California several months ago.  He seemed to be everywhere during the conference taking photos of the participants and various events.  I final asked one of the Luxury Real Estate staff people who was this guy!  She smiled and said that he is the finest photographer they had found for capturing the essence of luxury real estate homes and estates.  I began some homework after the conference to see some examples of this work since we always need a top photographer’s services for the luxury properties we represent – both in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Caribbean.  Boy, was I impressed with what I discovered.

My experience is that Ilya’s Photography sets one of the highest standards for quality in the industry with over 30 years of experience. Ilya is the principal photographer of Ilya’s Photography, and he has enjoyed a lifelong passion his work with the camera.  His reputation for excellence has spread both in the U.S. and internationally.  Ilya has shot luxury estates in France, Spain, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Miami, Chicago, the Seattle area, plus many other locations in the States and the world.  After checking out his work, my next question was, “How much does this type of quality photography cost for shooting a luxury home or estate?”  Well, I discovered that he has VERY competitive rates that are negotiated flat-rate prices for any project.  He is even willing to offer long-term budgeted photo-shoot contracts.  His flat-rate policy is greatly appreciated within our industry because it is THE rate no matter how much time it takes to complete the project.  Again, I don’t think you will find a better value for your marketing dollar if you decide on Ilya’s photo services.

 In further discussions with the staff at Luxury Real Estate their consensus was that Ilya consistently produces quality work and can make a home or an estate look amazing.  They said he has the ability to capture on digital film the best aspects of the luxury property.  As promised, I am always on the look out for the best professional services I can find, whether it is a photographer or a painter.  It takes a “village” to sell and buy a home – from the preparation of the marketing program to the signing of the closing documents, hiring a professional real estate company is critical.  Until next time….fair winds!

Luxury Real estate

Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate Conference Focused On Global Expansion!

With 1,100+ members from 60 countries, this is the organization to find and market your East Bay luxury properties!

Last week at the Grand Del Mar in San Diego, California, the Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate produced their Spring Conference where they highlighted the latest technology to be used by both the Broker/Realtors and the consumers in luxury real estate markets.  Jim Walberg and Ann Marie Nugent were part of this exclusive group of 240 participants from all over the world sharing their best practices in serving the needs of their luxury propety clientele. One of the important breakout sessions I attended was facilitated by Pat Hoferkamp – President of Burgdorff Realtors headquartered in New Jersey.  She presented the mission / vision of her company and reviewed the best practices they use in creating a luxury experience for both their Realtors and their customers.  It was worth every moment of the session. An added feature of the conference was having Ben Stein as the keynote speaker on Thursday night. ( You know, the world famous writer, director, and actor.  His comments about the importance of owning real estate was actually compelling to the point of him getting a standing ovation.  In addition, he was darn funny.)

Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate was founded by John Brian Losh almost 20 years ago.  He had a vision of gathering the best Broker / Realtors in the world into one organization in order to create a synergy in the luxury real estate markets worldwide.  Each selected member has been recognized as a leader in the marketing of distinctive and luxury properties, committed to high performance, professionalism and quality service.  The members are truly the “Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate!  Not only has Mr. Losh succeeded, but today it is the dominant luxury real estate network in the world!

Mr. Losh commented, “As I interview brokers and work with organizations through my consulting services, I continue to be profoundly impressed by the quality and integrity of the people represented in Luxury Real Estate. I am pleased to see a steady increase in the use of our logo in print advertising, and our 50% growth over the past year. Each year we set high goals and work diligently to improve the network in every way.  I am confident that doing business with any one of our Broker/Realtors would be a delightful and rewarding experience.”

He also said, “Each year I travel to all sections of the United States; the villages of New England, the resorts and cities of the East Coast, the great state of Texas and the Gulf, the deserts of the Southwest, the grandeur of the Rockies and America’s heartland, and this year to Europe and Asia. As a result of this effort, we have added many excellent firms from all over the world.”

By the way, the Grand Del Mar has created a breathtaking resort!  It is San Diego’s newest 5- star resort destination. From its Tom Fazio-designed golf course and The Villas, to a luxurious spa and award-winning dining, The Grand Del Mar delivers a world-class resort experience.  This is a must resort for those seeking the BEST level of service and amenities I have found in California.  I promise you will be hearing more about the developments of the Luxury Real Estate’s world wide expansion of members and luxury property opportunities. We were honored to be invited into this exclusive organization last year  Until then…