London to Paris for the start of the Luxury Real Estate International Paris Conference at the Hotel du Louvre.

I took the EuroStar  train from London directly to Paris and a taxi to the conference hotel – Hotel du Louvre.  What a civilized and efficient transportation system Europe has.  I arrive a day early in Paris so I could do more walking in this city that I love so much.  And, it was 33F degrees the entire day!  I am again reminded that I don’t like being cold.  My destination was the Notre Dame.  It is a place I visit each time I am in Paris, not only for the overwhelming beauty, but to light candles for my family members who have died.  It was inspiring to walk in and have the enormity of this architectual miracle overwhelm me.

Wednesday the 21st excitement began with cocktails and the formal welcome dinner for the 60 luxury real estate delegates from 14 different countries.  Caribbean Islands Realty  is a member of “Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate”,  and the president of LRE, asked if I would participate in two of the panel discussions.  The panel topics were creating a global brand for your real estate company, and what are the most effective methods of successfully marketing luxury properties internationally.  I was honored to be a delegate and a contributor.

During the cocktail party each of the world markets represented had unique perspectives as to how the world’s economic meltdown is effecting their bottom line profits,  remembering that all real estate is local.  And, there are markets that are still thriving and markets that are in dire straights.

It was refreshing to bring the news of what is happening with Caribbean real estate to the group – it is holding it’s own in the midst of chaos.  There are pockets of healthy activity and there are some regions that are a mess,  However, after listening to other company’s real estate updates, the Caribbean is blessed to still be in such a desirable location. 

As I mentioned in my last posting, Caribbean fractional sales  are carrying the current Caribbean real estate markets!  The purchases are generally all cash with the remaining Buyers securing some type of private financing. There are still some real bargains that you may want to check out.  Until next time… your Caribbean Realtor is one duty in Europe, and he is very cold.  Contact me  anytime for more information today!

I was invited to speak at the Luxury Real Estate International Conference in Paris this month.  London was my first stop.

We are spoiled with 85F degree weather in the Caribbean almost 365 days a year!  Europe in January is COLD.  The Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate’s  4^th Annual International Conference was this month in Paris, and I was invited to be one of the presenters.  Before the conference I traveled to London for a few days visiting one of the ten families that make up my “European family”.  It is amazing to step into the pace of Europe with London as the first stop.  It is one fast paced city!

My time in London was generally walking this beautiful city – from Buckingham Palace  and Hyde Park,  to the museums and art galleries.  Another reason why I was in London was to meet with one of the partners of Deloitte – an international consulting firm for the top corporations of the world.  My friend is in charge of their international real estate division.  My meeting was to gather information regarding his view of what is predicted for Caribbean real estate markets in the midst of the global financial meltdown.  It was a very insightful hour with him.

What we are seeing the past six months in Caribbean real estate sales is an abrupt slow down in sales that require a mortgage.  And, the European buyers have almost disappeared.  If you recall the Russians started showing up last year in the Caribbean and they are no longer visible.  The real estate product that is predicted to thrive is the Fractional Deeded Ownerships, and the Residence Club products.  The HOT market is expected to continue in the Dominican Republic.  It was very useful to have this conversation given that we have already noticed these trends.

No matter what the economic conditions in the world we will still figure out a way to make lemonade out of lemons regarding real estate sales.  Until my next report…fair winds.

The Virgin Islands are just one of the many regions that celebrate Three Kings Day!

One of the many locations that celebrated Three Kings Day was St. Croix this week.  Three Kings Day honors the arrival of the magi bearing gifts to the baby Jesus.  After the Christmas gifts have been unwrapped and put away,  many communities in the Virgin Islands and Pureto Rico celebrate this holiday, also known as Epiphany or Dia de lost Reyes Magos.  Many European countries still celebrate it, too.

The Biblical story tells how the Kings or Wise Men or Magi – who according to legend are named Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar – presented the baby Jesus with gold, frankincense and myrrh. During this weeks holiday,  Three Kings Day was celebrated by giving gifts.  There was a parade, and afterwards families gather together for a community meal,  and for the gifts from the Wise Men are given to the children.  On St. Croix over 300 gifts were distributed.

It is also a National holiday in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and many others. It is looked upon as an extension of the Christmas holiday, and all government agencies and business are closed. There is a public procession in most of the local communities and it is focused on retelling the story of the magi to all the children involved in the celebrations.

If you participated in any of the Three Kings Day celebrations I would enjoy hear about your experience.  We need to find many more opportunities to celebrate life’s important traditions in all our cultures.  My observation is that we miss too many “moments” that allow us to take a break from the typical stress of our lives and get some further perspectives as to what is really important – family and dear friends.  Until next time…fair winds!