Buying your second or third homes are not just happening in the Caribbean.  We have now discovered that many of our clients are buying in Italy, too.

Timbers Resorts, a leader in the emerging category of luxury, boutique resorts are completing the final work on beautifully restored and reconstructed farmhouse villas on 4,200 acres in the Tuscan region of Italy near Siena.  For those who are wanting to enjoy the Tuscan lifestyle, Castello di Casole  is a five-star luxury resort and Read the rest of this entry »

Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate International Conference – Paris, France.  Day-3 – final two sessions.

The last day of the Luxury Real Estate International – Paris Conference  was focused on current and future technology critical to the international real estate community, and what are some concepts for exit strategies for selling a real estate company.

Victor Lund, one of the partners of the WAV Group, was the presenter on technology tools and trends. The research he did for this presentation was impressive.  I would recommend you visit their website  and learn more about the services they provide real estate companies around the world.  I had several discussions with Victor and his fellow partners about how the success of Caribbean Islands Realty  can even be expanded.

John Brian Losh  was the facilitator for the last two sessions of the conference. The first session was about how one valuates a Brokerage, and if one is ready to retire or move on to a new adventure how can it be sold. There was a very lively discussion on this topic. Several of the comments from the participants were focused on they could not imagine retiring. There is something unique about owning a real estate company that allows one to serve clients as long as one is able and is still finding it a satisfying and profitable experience.

Mr. Losh wrapped up the conference with a time of reflecting on the profitable ideas that we will be taking back to our real estate businesses. There was a LONG list of ideas and tools that will be serving all of us in 2009.  Some of my final thoughts from the Paris conference were:

• Some of my personal take aways from the Paris conference are focused on the extraordinary quality of the LRE members. Meeting new LRE friends and expanding friendships with those I already new was worth the price of admission.
• Each of us have unique businesses, and very specific local real estate markets in the as part of the Luxury Real Estate international membership. One can gather all the latest greatest “stuff” for our businesses, however the bottom line is it still is all about personal relationships. People do business with people they trust and actually enjoy working with.
• The ultimate power of the Luxury Real Estate network is still generally untapped. The more relationships we have within Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate the more we are able to leverage our global real estate services and sell more properties.

From Australia to Poland, my real estate businesses have been expanded because of my participation in this important international conference in Paris.  AND…did we have some amazing fun in Paris exploring restaurants, and even some fun cave vin bars.  Actually, the fellowship time was where the long lasting effects of the Paris conference will benefit all of the delegates.  My next adventure was to Geneva after Paris.  Stay tuned…more to come.

Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate International Conference – Paris, France.  Day-2 – all day seminars and networking opportunities.

After Wednesday night’s cocktail reception and formal dinner, the real work of the Luxury Real Estate  Paris Conference began.  With delegates from 14 countries in attendance – from Australia to Poland, Day-2 of the conference focused on how we can expand our real estate company networks in order to create a more global presence in each of our local markets.  The Hotel du Louvre  was the perfect venue for the work of the conference.  It was agreed by the delegates that the international members have barely scratched the surface of what is possible when all of us expand our sharing of information, experiences, and our luxury listings.

Day 2 of the Paris conference opened with John Brian Losh  welcoming the delegates from 14 countries. What an impressive group of professionals who have come together to share their best ideas.  The 60 delegates had the opportunity to introduce themselves and give a brief assessment as to the condition of their real estate markets given the world economic crisis. It was again a reminder that ALL real estate is local. We also had the chance to highlight one or two of our top listings that may be of interest to a room of Realtors from around the world.

Day 2:  The first conference session was titled Your International Marketing Plan – Marketing Your Listings Abroard.  Michael Audet  from the WAV Group was the moderator, with myself – owner of Caribbean Islands Realty , Olivia Hsu Decker – owner of Decker Bullock Sotheby’s International Realty – California, USA, and John Brian Losh  - founder and president of Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate, Seattle, Washington, as the panel members.  The second session of the conference was titled Developing Your Global Brand – Perspectives From International Companies.  Marilyn Wilson  from the WAV Group was the moderator, with myself,  Ann Chiasson  – owner of Sea to Sky Premier Properties – Whistler, Canada,  and Ole Jespersen  - owner of IRG International Realty Group, Portugal.  Some of the highlights that were a part of the open discussion were;

• In the midst of the global economic crisis we need to change/adapt or die.
• Personal relationships are still the key to serving our customers at the highest levels.
• The Internet is merely the beginning of connecting to people – but it is THE critical tool to master given how people want to start a relationship with a Realtor.
• Make sure your business is leading with revenue regarding any financial decisions. Running out of money is why good businesses close their doors. Cash is KING.
• The business and marketing tools provided to the Luxury Real Estate membership are vast in order to assist all of us in the expansion of our businesses. The key is for each of us to understand what they are and then implement them.

The day ended with me having pages of notes, and a significant expansion of my professional and personal global network.  It has already opened many new doors for the marketing of our Caribbean real estate projects.  We then enthusiastically moved on to the nightlife of Paris.  Until my next report…fair winds!

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.

People are still focused on purchasing a piece of Paradise, even though the world credit crisis continues.  Fractionals continue to be one of the most popular ways to enjoy the Caribbean experience!

The world’s credit crisis has yet to slow down the sales of Caribbean fractional resorts.  The reason is that most of them are purchased for cash without the need for a real estate loan.  And, the mix of Buyers are still mainly from the U.S. markets – Chicago to Boston, and New York to Florida.  The people purchasing fractionals are 80% from the U.S. and 15% from England and Europe.  The remaining numbers are from Canada and South America.

You will recall from a past article about the amazing condo franctional purchases at Los Altos  in the Dominican Republic.  This super luxury complex consisting of 2 and 3 bedroom Caribbean-style condominiums was completed less than a year ago, and it is selling like hot cakes!  It is located in the world-class Casa de Campo resort.  It is Casa de Campo’s only condo project.   Los Altos combines the romance of a tranquil Caribbean getaway with the ultimate in rustic luxury.  Los Altos looks over the internationally renowned Dye Fore golf course and is located adjacent to the inviting and exciting Altos de Chavon Village with its collection of shops, restaurants and cultural events.

The typical Caribbean fractional and/or luxury real estate club sell a 1/8th to 1/12th interest in the property.  The many benefits include the management company for rentals when you are not able to visit your Caribbean get-a-way, and the maintenance of the luxury resort.  At Los Altos a 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath luxury condo starts at US$175,000, fully furnished for a 1/8th share of the ownership.  That is approximately six weeks a year at your very own luxury resort on one of my favorite destinations, the Dominican Republic.  Let me know  if you want more information on the many Caribbean fractional ownership opportunities in Paradise.

The rumors about the demise of Dolphin Cove Resort are over stated.  It is alive and well and is creating a remarkable resort for the very discriminating owner.

Last month I had a conversation with a real estate contact in St. Thomas who was giving me an “update” of the real estate developments in the Virgin Islands that were in trouble.  During that conversation he stated that Dolphin Cove, the luxury development on the Red Hook side of St. Thomas, had ended it’s planned development because of the lack of capital.  I filed this information, and I was concerned because I know the managing partner very well and had not heard this “update”.

Remember, rumors are usually not true.  They are a result of one person telling another person, who tells another person, and so on, until the eleventh generation “story” has no baring on reality.  So, I contacted Dave Marriner, the managing partner of Dolphin Cove and asked him what was happening with it’s completion date.  We had a very interesting conversation about this beautiful project.  It is on track to have the first phase up by the Summer of 2009!  And, all of the approved portions of this project will be built. 

You may recall several of my past articles about this amazing development on one of the most pristine beach front properties in the Caribbean.  I have been following this project for five years, and you will not believe it.  The Dolphin House, the 5-star restaurant on the edge of the Caribbean, will be a historic “rebuild” of the home scientists used to train dolphins to find ocean mines during WW II. The location of Dolphin House provides one of the most spectacular views of Nazareth Bay and St. Croix you will ever see from St. Thomas.

The gated community of Dolphin Cove will feature two beaches, tennis courts, fresh and salt water swimming pools, a myriad of hiking trails, restaurant, and fitness center. Water sport amenities will be available at the beach that is next to the original dolphin training center. Dolphin Cove will also be a self-sufficient community, offering its own security, water treatment plant and standby generators.

Please contact me  if you would like more information about how to purchase your piece of Paradise at Dolphin Cove.

The Boat Show is over, and today the Crews and a few of the Brokers started their day relaxing at the Yacht Haven Grande pool and some even moved the party on to Secret Harbor Resort beach.

Yes, there was an after-party today!  Many of the Crews have charters that start on Saturday, so they had one more day to relax before they started their provisioning details.  Since their yachts are all charter-ready, it gave them one more day to relax and enjoy the time off before their real work begins – six to seven months of hosting charter guests.  And, some of the Brokers are stay an extra day or two, since they are already on-island.  The day started pool-side at Yacht Haven Grande, and then transitioned in the afternoon to Secret Harbor.

Since many of the charters will be starting this Saturday at American Yacht Harbor, it made sense to move to the Red Hook side of the island for the rest of the after-party.  Secret Harbor is the perfect location for any party.  Even some floaties showed up so cocktails could be consumed while sunning in the water.  There even was some fun happening at the outdoor showers.

The sunset set with more goodbyes, and some were even planning on participating in Jonny and Meredith’s wedding tomorrow.  Remember them?  they are the adorable crew from s/y Conundrum.  Yes, they have been planning a wedding for months so it coincided with the Boat Show.  That way their family and friends could fly down for the wedding, and all of their very special Crew friends could join them, too.

The light started to dim and we watched another glorious Caribbean sunset.  The “Charter Gang” started to dispurse for the actual start of another very successful charter yacht season.  And, the mantra we talked about several times today that many are now going to post in their crew quarters to read each morning when they get up to face another day of customer service is;

“Today I will declare a commitment to a result that has no present evidence of possibilities.  Let’s make miracles happen today!”

Fari winds to all, as your Boat Show internet reporter signs off until November 8th – 11th, 2009 at next year’s VICL Boat Show!  Contact me  any time with updates on your adventures.  I will glad to post them for all to read.

So, why are the Canadians still focused on the Caribbean as their second homes?  It is so darn COLD there half of the year!

Eleven months ago it was the British Boomers  who were flocking to the Caribbean.  Who has taken over those purchases are the Canadians!   The Canadian market has been the largest increase in Caribbean real estate purchases this past year – both fractionals and full deeded  ownership.

The Canadian demand for second home is being fuelled by their Boomers’ desire to re-invent their retirement lifestyles – following the sun!  It is REALLY COLD from Edmonton to Nova Scotia half of the year!  With direct flights to the Caribbean from Toronto and Montreal the entire Caribbean is easily accessible – from Aruba to the Dominican Republic.  And, this year 42% of our Canadian Buyers have been paying ALL CASH for their real estate purchases!  Here are the results of the Harris/Decima  study following the Canadian trends.

14% of the Canadian population own recreational real estate asset.

57% of owners are sole recreational property owners.

43% of owners have invested in shared ownership assets – fractional ownership properties.

36% of those who are sole owners purchased their property prior to 1990.

43% of fractional and timeshare ownership investment with most acquisitions made since the year 2000.

59% increase in second home ownership among Canadians since 1990.

30% of the total population in the Harris/Decima Survey indicated they are interested in purchasing a recreational property asset.

71% are interested in acquiring sole ownership properties.

14% are interested in fractional ownership.

48% prefer to be very close to the beach.

46% want retail facilities nearby.

Contact me today  if you want to get in on what the Canadians are discovering in the Caribbean for their second homes.  The Caribbean continues to be the real estate HOT SPOT in the Western Hemisphere.  Until next time…go Maple Leaf’s!

Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate’s Fall Conference featured Jim Walberg as one of the presenters.

Twice a year Realtors from all over the world gather at the Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate conferences.   This is the group that represents the best Realtors from almost 70 countries with only 1,900 members.  Their Fall Conference just concluded in Philadelphia at the Ritz Carlton.   Their Winter Conference is in Paris in January.

I was invited to be a presenter at the conference by John Brian Losh  – founder of Luxury Real Estate.  My topic was profitable internet marketing using blogging as the tool, because of the results that have been created with Caribbean Islands Realty.  Luxury Real Estate’s blog site publishes  many of my articles each month about what is happening in the Caribbean real estate markets.  ALL of the buyers and sellers that have contracted Caribbean Islands Realty have come from our internet blogsite.  ( The photograher for all of the Luxury Real Estate conferences is Ilya Photography.  Ilya is one of the best in the business.)

During the conference I renewed old friendships and made many new ones with the top Realtors in the WORLD – from Australia, Europe, Canada and the US.  I even wore a tux!!!  It was an inspiring experience to share time and information with such a prestigious group of professionals.  I had not been in Philadelphia since I was ten years old, so it was amazing to walk through the headquarters of liberty for our country.

I took an afternoon off and just walked several miles visiting Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell,  the hall where our first Congress convened, and Thomas Jefferson’s garden where he met with Lewis and Clark before their unbelievable expedition of the Western United States.  I was moved by the courage of our Founding Fathers in spite of their fears.  They did not let fear paralyze their commitment to gain the liberty that all of us enjoy today.

My walk last Saturday in Philadelphia reminded me of the scary times we are in today with the world economic meltdown underway.  Many people are paralyzed with fear and believe there is little to hope for.  My focus is where are the opportunities?  We will figure out how to get through this significant moment in our world’s history.  Do you know why?  Because, we don’t have a choice. 

When I mentioned opportunities all around us, how about an 18% increase in Caribbean real estate sales the past 12 months?  The Caribbean fractional / residence club  properties have even more sales.  How about the great prices for real estate in our local communities?  Remember a past article about fear  - FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real.  So, fear is a bad place to hang out.  If you are thinking of a second or third home in Paradise, today is the day to take action.  Contact me  or leave a comment so we can assist you with your next Caribbean purchase.  Besides gaining a piece of Paradise, we will also have lots of fun!  Until next time…fair winds in the midst of stormy times.