Category Archives: florida

Tour the Luxury Miami Home of Kim and Kourtney Kardashian

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kim kardashian Tour the Luxury Miami Home of Kim and Kourtney KardashianWhether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying that Kim Kardashian and her family have made a name for themselves. And they have ridiculously nice taste in homes.

Proof of the latter can be seen in the video above which comes to us from our friends over at NBC’s LXTV Open House who got a tour of the home Kim Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian lived in during their recent stint in Miami while shooting their reality show.

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate superstar agent team, The Jills,have the listing for the $14.5 million home that boasts 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and over 16,000 sq. ft. For me the best part of the home may be the setting it offers. Amazing views throughout and a spa-like outdoor pool/patio/lounge area.

Check out the video above and see what it’s like to live like a Kardashian.

 

Image courtesy of Flickr user Hollywood_PR

Slideshow: April Showers in Amazing Homes

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Everyone knows that April showers bring May flowers. But before May rolls around and takes our attention I thought it was time we took a look at some more enjoyable showers than what we’re accustomed to during April.

There really isn’t anything better than a great shower and these homes have some of the best. Here are 5 of the best showers that we’ve come across on coldwellbanker.com:

1. Stone Tower Shower in Poway, CA – $8,995,000

Feels like this shower should be at the top of a medieval castle’s keep. This amazing shower is made completely of stone and designed in a unique half moon shape. The entire home is created with a European manor feel to it and this master bathroom is no exception. Currently listed with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Rancho Santa Fe, CA.

2. Blissful Bath in Montecito, CA – $16,000,000

This home has some incredible ocean and island views, but I’m not sure that’s any better than this incredible bathroom. The standalone tub in the background of the image above may get all the attention, but there’s an over sized shower to the right that acts as its own little spa. Not to mention the home also has its own sauna room. Who needs to go outside when you have all that? Currently listed by Barbara Koutnik with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

3. Copper & Nickel in Fairfield, CT

Had a long day at the office? Pamper yourself in the custom marble master bath with a soak in the free standing copper and nickel tub, a steam in the oversized shower or just relax after a long day in the adjacent sauna. Currently listed by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Westport, CT.

4. Touch of Turquoise in San Francisco, CA – $8,980,000

This magnificent renovated Beaux Arts Mansion by renowned architect G. Applegarth has one of the most colorful bathrooms we’ve come across. This master bath has both an over sized tub and steam shower for washing away the trials of the day. Currently listed by Dona Crowder with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

5. Center of Attention in Orlando, FL – $5,450,000

Orlando is a town known for its attraction and in this home the center of attention is certainly this master bath. As you can see in the photo above the Roman tub is smack dab in the center of the bathroom, but you’ll also notice the steam shower in the reflection of the extra large mirror. I would refer to this as a soaking room instead of a bathroom. Currently listed by Mick Night with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate.

Fort Myers: Home to the Ultimate Cinderella

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fgcu Fort Myers: Home to the Ultimate CinderellaOK America.  It’s officially time to focus on Florida Gulf Coast University and their amazing, incredible and fun-filled rise in the NCAA Tournament.  They have so many storylines.  A former Wall Street hotshot turned coach who married a supermodel.  Players no one wanted or knew about.  A 22-year-old school with dorm rooms overlooking a beach.  And, let’s face it, until this weekend the school had about as much public awareness as the migration patterns of pelicans.

And included in the story is the school’s home in Fort Meyers, FL.  It’s a city of about 65,000 that is home to the  Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox spring training.  Michael Madden, who heads the Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate office at Fort Myers Beach believes the city is a bit of an undiscovered gem.

The school itself is located about 20 minutes from downtown or the beach and is situated right near two major shopping destinations – Miromar Outlets and Gulf Coast Town Center that continues to grow with new restaurants and hotels continuously being added.

“We have so much to do here with great fishing, boating and other outdoor activities with great weather,” he said.  “While Naples is likely more well known as a luxury destination, Fort Myers has a nice mix between our tourism base and residents.  Our downtown has been developed and Florida Gulf Coast University has also brought renewed vibrancy to the area with its student population. Along with Chicos headquarters here, the school has also created a lot of jobs.”

It’s also a very affordable place to live.  According the Coldwell Banker Home Listing Report, a 4 bedroom/2 bath home in Fort Myers would average $201,803 compared to the same type of home in Naples costing about $300,000.

The affordability has allowed many FGCU students to forego dorm living according to Sue Wolverton, who manages the Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate office in the downtown Fort Myers area.   “Condos in the immediate area around the school can start at around $100,000, so it makes economic sense.  Often the parents discover the area through their kids and eventually buy a second-home here because it is so affordable and amazing.”

And there is no doubt FGCU is doing its job in raising greater awareness for the region.

“We are going crazy about the FGCU basketball team,” Madden said.  “It was a  great weekend and the entire city is EXCITED.  And that is in all capital letters!”

Slideshow: Homes with Recording Studios

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The Grammy Awards are this Sunday and the music world will congregate to honor singers, songwriters or reasonable facsimiles thereof at the annual showstopping ceremony. All of the nominated artists come from a home somewhere, but who knows how many more artists would shoot to stardom if they had their very own recording studio downstairs!

For those future Grammy winners, here are a few homes that offer the luxury of their own recording studio:

1. Mellow Yellow Studio in Orlando, FL – $2,900,000

I feel like humming Yellow Submarine, but I will refrain. Not only does this home have a full recording studio downstairs but it’s also a lakeside mansion stocked with an infinity pool, spa, movie theater and wine cellar. The amenities should offer enough inspiration for at least one Billboard chart topping tune. Currently listed by Sheri Sampson with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate.

2. Acoustic Session Room in Boca Raton, FL – $2,499,999

This just happens to be the home of Nickelodeon’s Sam and Cat star, Ariana Grande, so chances are she did some singing in this room that looks to be perfect for recording a 21st century version of VH1′s Storytellers. For songwriters seeking to be inspired, the home also has a star-gazing observatory. Currently listed by Lisa Byrne with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate.

3. Rocky Mountain High Studio in Boulder, CO – $1,489,000

With stunning views all around you, it’s the perfect setting for some Rocky Mountain inspired music. This studio is actually located in its own private wing and is completely sound proof. Currently listed by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Westminster, CO.

4. The Big Board in Taylor Mill, KY – $579,000

Now that’s what I call sound equipment. Nestled in the heart of Kentucky there are some bluegrass and country tunes just waiting to emerge from this home in the countryside. Currently listed by Janet Robinson with Coldwell Banker West Shell.

Slideshow: 5 Big Game Worthy Man Caves

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This weekend is the big game. Scratch that. It’s THE game of the year. Whether or not you could care less about the Ravens or don’t know how to spell the last name of the QB on the 49ers, chances are you’re watching this football game. Even if it’s just for the ads.

Games as big as the this require a larger than life experience. You want a really big TV, some exceptional snacking options and an incredible place to watch the game. We went hunting for just the right type of room to watch the game on coldwellbanker.com and came across 848 homes currently for sale that have the term “man cave” in the property description.

This week’s slideshow reveals 5 of the most interesting man caves on coldwellbanker.com that we think are worthy to watch the biggest day of football in:

1. Wall of Wonder in Sandy, OR – $750,000

An entire wall dedicated to a screen. Now that is a viewing room. Who cares that there is no furniture in the room? That means there’s nothing obstructing your view! Currently listed by Coldwell Banker SEAL in Lake Oswego, OR.

2. Personal Pool Hall in Wilmington, NC – $1,085,000

There are man caves that are great for watching a game and then there are man caves for experiencing a game. This is the latter. Two big screen TVs flank the walls of this man cave with a pool table in the middle and plenty of seating for even the largest of gatherings. Currently listed by Barbara Pugh with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage.

3. Home Theater in New Buffalo, MI – $7,350,000

Now this man cave has some class. Theater seating on what look to be ridiculously comfy couches and a massive screen on the wall for enjoying every touchdown. I would love a Fathead of Adrian Peterson on the wall, but that’s just me. Currently listed by Chad Gradowski with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in New Buffalo, MI.

4. Artistic Man Cave in Longboatkey, FL -$8,450,000

This man cave appears to be more suited for the Academy Awards than the big game, but we see it’s potential for it. Leather seats are a must for any man cave and this one has that in spades. Currently listed by Patrick DiPinto with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in Longboat Key, FL.

5. Stadium Seating in Pacific Palisades, CA – $21,500,000

Beyond the man cave, this home is incredible. I think I saw a big screen TV in a walk-in closet in the photos on  coldwellbanker.com, but this man cave takes the cake. Amazing widescreen on the wall for watching the game, plenty of room for guests, and ottomans for kicking back and enjoying football and eating massive amounts of wings. The only thing missing is a bobble-head collection lining the walls to class the place up a bit. Currently listed by Ginger Glass with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Beverly Hills, CA.

Childhood Home of Nickelodeon Star Ariana Grande Hits Market

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AG Childhood Home of Nickelodeon Star Ariana Grande Hits MarketEver watch iCarly?  Victorious?  Come on…admit it.  These Nickelodeon classics are this decade’s Happy Days, Full House and Wonder Years rolled into one.  And if you haven’t seen it, your kids or grandchildren definitely have.

We have been working with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Lisa Byrne on the promotion of her latest listing, the childhood home of Ariana Grande who starred in the previously mentioned Nick shows.  She is moving with her family to LA as she begins taping her starring role in the spin-off show, Sam and Cat.

I was over a friend’s house this past weekend and asked his eight-year old Mia if she watched iCarly.  What a huge smile I got.  And then I asked if she knew who Ariana was?  Her smile got even bigger and she asked if I knew her.  Sorry to say I don’t, but I love her house…and with that comment I instantly had the coolest job Mia had ever heard of.

“This was a perfect home to grow up in,” said Grande.

I shared what Ariana told us about her childhood home with Mia. “This was a perfect home to grow up in,” said Grande. “I’ll always have so many positive memories of it personally and professionally, from our annual Christmas Eve party and family reunions, to a great pool party we hosted when I graduated middle school. I’ll never forget standing in the kitchen when I found out I had booked my first Broadway show, or the recording studio next to my room which helped launch my music career. I hope whoever purchases the home will have as many wonderful experiences as I did.”

While the next homeowner of this Boca Raton treasure may not become a Nickelodeon superstar, we are pretty sure they will certainly feel like they are living the lifestyle of a television star! Check out this beautiful home being marketed through the Coldwell Banker Previews International program here.

Pharrell Williams on the Move

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pharrell Pharrell Williams on the Move

Pharrell & I at his charity event.

I was thrilled to see that the music icon Pharrell Williams has agreed to work with Jill Eber and Jill Hertzberg, known as “The Jills” and the top selling team in the entire Coldwell Banker brand. The Jills are amazing people and so is Pharrell.

I met Pharrell last year at a charity event he hosted with CNN’s Soledad O’Brien. The event was held at another upscale home listed by the Jills with Coldwell Banker Previews International. I don’t usually get to attend star-studded events but was really impressed with Pharrell and Soledad’s commitment to helping young women.

Pharrell was warm and engaging and spent quality time with just about every guest. He spoke with me, the Jills and other colleagues about his desire to eventually move from downtown Miami to a more residential neighborhood where his son could grow up, attend a good school and participate in traditional suburban activities.

Pharrell is a star having accomplished so much already in his musical career as a singer, composer and producer. And that night he played the celebrity role as a gracious host. But for a few minutes that night when we spoke, he was a “regular” person who talked about homeownership like we all do.

While obviously concerned about the financial aspect of selling his home and where prices were headed, he was more concerned about the lifestyle that a new home could provide for his wife and son. He asked Jill and Jill about different communities in Miami, about public and private schools, commutes and other traditional amenities. He was curious, attentive and took it all in. He made a wise choice in choosing to work with the Jills.

Having started my career in the college sports world, I have had the pleasure of having prominent sports stars as friends. Sure they are asked for autographs, treated differently than most of us and they made more money than I probably ever will, but they are also regular people when the lights aren’t on. For that one night in Miami, I will always remember Pharrell not as a cultural icon, but as a regular guy thinking about selling his home (above) and buying a new one that would better meet the needs of his family.

He was doing it for lifestyle, not money. Good luck in your move Pharrell!

Real Estate by the Numbers for November 2012

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Every month, we have been closely analyzing coldwellbanker.com data to identify consumer and market trends for our new “By the Numbers” Report. This month, the Florida Panhandle is in the spotlight, where a five-bedroom, six full-bath condominium / townhouse based in Navarre, Fla., topped the list of most-viewed properties.

Ray Johns, the listing agent from Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS®, described this property as one of the largest luxury condominiums on the market in Navarre, a Gulf Coast community famous for its sugar white beaches. The home is owned by literary author Anne Rice, known for her series of novels and film adaptations of The Vampire Chronicles, and features interior designs reminiscent of time periods within her books. Johns went on to say that the listing received 40,000 hits when it was first posted to Facebook. That is a tremendous feat! Take a look at the photos below as well as the video above to see this stunning and luxurious condominium:

1 Real Estate by the Numbers for November 2012

2 Real Estate by the Numbers for November 2012

3 Real Estate by the Numbers for November 2012

Casa Casuarina, the $100 million renowned Miami Beach mansion (once owned by couturier Gianni Versace), also topped the list as one of the most-viewed properties on the website in September. The 10-bedroom, 11-bathroom, gated home is truly spectacular, with a 54-foot long, mosaic pool lined in 24-karat gold, numerous frescos and ornate statues, arched doorways, and an open-air courtyard. The Jills recently opened up the property for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look for Coldwell Banker On Location, and it is an absolutely stunning mansion. Clearly warm weather listings are “hot” right now, with six out of 10 of the most-viewed properties either in Florida or California:

  1. 8269 Gulf Blvd., Navarre, FL ($999,900)
  2. 24595 Voorhees Dr., Los Altos Hills, CA ($4,250,000, no longer on market)
  3. 4834 Promontory Ct., Eau Claire, WI ($339,900)
  4. 10853 Lafayette Rd., Johnstown, OH ($204,900)
  5. 904 N. Crescent Dr., Beverly Hills, CA ($58,000,000)
  6. 174 Elm St., Clyde, NY ($54,000)
  7. 1116 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, FL ($125,000,000)
  8. Los Angeles, CA ($65,000,000)
  9. 179 Second St., East Providence, RI ($189,000)
  10. 125 N. Van Ness Ave., Los Angeles, CA ($2,399,000)

While luxury properties are continuing to generate a lot of attention with three of the top 10 most- viewed properties exceeding $58,000,000, visitors to the website primarily favor homes that average 3.4 bedrooms and 2.4 bathrooms, consistent with last month’s report.

We also saw a 15-percent increase in listing views across the country for homes priced between $125,000 and $149,000. As the housing market continues to stabilize and improve, it will be interesting to track the increase in views of more expensive properties, which could be an indication of the “move up” buyer returning to the market.

Most coldwellbanker.com visitors are searching from California, followed by Texas. New York outpaced Illinois, moving to third in the top 10 states. The Mid-Atlantic and upper Midwest regions of the U.S., in addition to Florida, showed an active appetite for home searching.

  1. California
  2. Texas
  3. New York
  4. Illinois
  5. Pennsylvania
  6. Florida
  7. Michigan
  8. Wisconsin
  9. Ohio
  10. Maryland

In my analysis of top cities, New York City accounts for the most people searching for homes, followed by the Windy City of Chicago, which ranked first last month. Chicago residents showed an approximate 38-percent jump in viewership of home listings as compared to third-ranked Bethesda. Similarly, potential homebuyers in Los Angeles have become more active in their home search, as did those living in San Francisco. Both cities surpassed Washington D.C., and Boston joined the top 10 replacing St. Louis from last month. Below is a list of the most visited metros on coldwellbanker.com:

  1. New York
  2. Chicago
  3. Bethesda
  4. Los Angeles
  5. Houston
  6. Dallas
  7. San Francisco
  8. Washington D.C.
  9. Minneapolis
  10. Boston

Lastly, Web traffic via the On Location YouTube Channel increased 30 percent this month, while non-touch mobile traffic to coldwellbanker.com through smart phones continued to show a slight uptick from last month.

I look forward to sharing more insights next month.

 

World’s Most Expensive Homes – Episode 1: Casa Casuarina

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Welcome to the premiere episode of the World’s Most Expensive Homes presented by Coldwell Banker Real Estate. This is an all access look at some of the amazing properties across the globe that are listed by Coldwell Banker Previews International agents.

In this first episode we take you down to Miami Beach, Florida and inside one of the most expensive homes in the world: Casa Casuarina.

casacasuarina Worlds Most Expensive Homes Episode 1: Casa Casuarina

Formerly known as the Versace Mansion, this incredibly ornate home is an entertainer’s dream. Exclusively listed by Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate mega agents, Jill Eber & Jill Hertzberg, who are more prominently known as The Jills, we give you a unique look inside a home that will command a price never before seen in Miami Beach.

You won’t believe the amount of detail and ornateness that went into this home. It’s part art and part luxury living. All set against the gorgeous backdrop of Miami Beach.

Sit back, relax and enjoy this premiere episode of the World’s Most Expensive Homes.

 

Real Estate by the Numbers for September

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beverlyhillslisting Real Estate by the Numbers for September

The most viewed home on coldwellbanker.com

Hope everyone is doing well.  It’s time for my “behind the numbers” look at coldwellbanker.com which examines some of what happened on the site in the last few weeks.

I was struck at the types of homes that cracked our most viewed Top 10.  Four were  priced at more than $50 million and the other six ranged from $79,900-$629,500.  We had everything from a picturesque lakefront home in Weidman, MI, to some of the most luxurious homes in the world represented by  top sales professionals in the Coldwell Banker Previews International luxury program.

Topping the list of views is a $57.5 million listing in Beverly Hills that has also been on the last two months as well .  Also on the chart is the $125 million former Versace Mansion in Miami, a $65 million Holmby Hills home in LA that was featured in Architectural Digest and the $58 million Le Palais in Beverly Hills.

Here are the most viewed homes on coldwellbanker.com over the past month:

  1.  Beverly Hills, CA - $57.5 million; Listed by Joyce Rey
  2. Tulsa, OK - $330,000; Listed by Maureen Kile
  3. Miami Beach, FL - $125 million; Listed by Jill Eber
  4. Los Angeles, CA - $65 million; Listed by Loren Judd
  5. Paris, TX - $79,000; Listed by Kim McNelis Lamberson
  6. Beverly Hills, CA - $58 million; Listed by Stacy Gattula
  7. Weidman, MI -  $265,000; Listed by Marge Mills
  8. Boone, NC - $249,000; Listed by Michele Coley
  9. Beaumont, TX - $299,900; Listed by Vicki Jones (Under Contract)
  10. St. Mary’s, PA - $629,500; Listed by Terry Marsh

The list of the top 10 states generating traffic to coldwellbanker.com was relatively consistent with the prior month of June, but with North Carolina moving into the top 10 ahead of Georgia, while Wisconsin moved up one spot to 7th:

Most Active States:

  1. California
  2. Texas
  3. Illinois
  4. New York
  5. Pennsylvania
  6. Florida
  7. Wisconsin
  8. Michigan
  9. Ohio
  10. North Carolina

Last month saw Chicago move ahead of New York as the market that had the most viewed listings.  Ashburn, VA, Minneapolis and St. Louis were newcomers to the list.

We learned from Paul Valentino, who heads Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in the greater Washington, D.C. area, that Washington’s Metro train system is expected to extend towards Ashburn in Loudoun County within five years.  He believes the July 2 decision by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors to support the project likely led to a spike in interest in affluent Ashburn.

Top 10 Most Viewed Markets:

  1. Chicago
  2. New York
  3. Houston
  4. Los Angeles
  5. Dallas
  6. San Francisco
  7. Ashburn, VA
  8. Minneapolis
  9. Washington D.C.
  10. St. Louis

This was the first time since I started tracking this type of information six months ago that the size of the average viewed home did not rise.  The average size property viewed on coldwellbanker.com in July was 3.28 bedrooms, 2.35 bathrooms with a total of 6.34 rooms, slightly off June’s results.

I hope you are enjoying these reports. Let me know what you think.