Thursday, February 28, 2013

Sotheby’s International Realty Grew Worldwide Network in 2012

 By Morissa Wagner Szmyt


Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC announced that it grew the office count within its global network by more than 9 percent in 2012, ending the year with approximately 660 Sotheby’s International Realty offices and 12,800 sales associates located in 47 countries and territories worldwide. The Sotheby’s International Realty® network also reported a 30 percent year-over-year increase in U.S. transaction sides closed by its affiliated brokers and agents in 2012.

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand also expanded its management team in Asia in 2012 as part of a comprehensive global servicing initiative to further develop the company’s network of real estate affiliates in the region. The brand won Franchise Business Review’s Best in Category for Real Estate Franchisee Satisfaction award for the fifth year in a row and came in second overall among the Top 50 Large Franchise Systems, which is a ranking of all franchise systems with more than 200 units across all categories.

“Last year was significant for the Sotheby’s International Realty brand as we saw 15 new companies join our luxury network from all over the world,” said Philip White, who was named the brand’s president and chief executive officer in 2012. “We also saw impressive organic growth among our existing affiliates. Overall, we expanded our market presence in key locations from Princeton, N.J., to Aspen, Colo., London and Australia. Our network has what we believe is one of the highest average sales prices of any national real estate system in the United States.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand added five new residential real estate brokerage firms to its network across the United States in the following markets: Fort Worth, Texas; Tarrytown, N.Y.; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Leesburg, Va.; and Wellington, Fla. Outside of the United States the brand expanded its network to provide its real estate services in: Milan, Italy; Taipei, Taiwan; Barcelona, Spain; San Miguel, Mexico; Tel Aviv, Israel; Ibiza, Spain; Sydney, Australia; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Vilnius, Lithuania; and Da Nang, Vietnam.

From a marketing perspective, 2012 saw the launch of the Sotheby’s International Realty iPad® application. Available for download from Apple’s App Store, the app’s features include 40 points of interest based on the property location, one-click-contact to a Sotheby’s International Realty broker or agent, the ability for consumers to save home search information for future use, a dynamic map feature displaying all available homes for sale or rent based on a user’s location or interested city/neighborhood and high-quality photography.

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand also launched a series of branded websites for specialty markets in 2012, beginning with Farm & Ranch, Waterfront and Ski, with additional websites planned for 2013, and of course, this blog you are currently reading, designed to provide insights into a range of real estate and lifestyle topics.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, an associate from Sun Valley Sotheby's International Realty can help. Please call our office at 208.726.5300 to schedule a complimentary consultation, or to contact your current SVSIR agent.
 

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Property Spotlight: Ridge Condominium 2678













Located in the Elkhorn Valley, this wonderful Ridge Condominium has been extensively upgraded with a remodeled kitchen, new pella windows, an expanded deck along with many other interior features. The fabulous location overlooking the 8th green of the Sun Valley-Elkhorn golf course provides stunning mountain views. It is also located with close proximity to all the Sun Valley and Elkhorn amenities.

According to listing agent, Julie Hurst, "The current owners purchased the unit in 1992, and like the previous owners have never rented it. The features that were most appealing to them were the private location and the beautiful golf course views."

For more information on this property, please visit our website.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, an associate from Sun Valley Sotheby's International Realty can help. Please call our office 208.726.5300 to schedule a complimentary consultation, or to contact your current SVSIR agent.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Stage to Sell: Clean & Simple

Written by Guest Blogger: Monica Macha

A Clean & Simple interior offers an opportunity for the strength of architectural elements to take center stage.  As shown in the entry image above, the modern glass surround door is juxtaposed with raw timber on the ceiling, and flagstone wall.  Neutral interior furnishings with limited pattern offer the perfect backdrop to see the architecture of the home.  To arrive at a similar feeling with existing furnishings requires an editing process.  Editing out clutter is removing unnecessary objects and furnishings.  Photo frames, accessories, baskets & containers are all examples of "clutter" that distracts from experiencing the comfort and function of the space.  The process of eliminating what is not needed offers an opportunity to find the focal point of each room and emphasize it's best feature!  Keep it simple, stylish, and on trend with neutral backgrounds punctuated with rich color.  Less is more.  Monica Macha

To contact Monica and view more of her work, please visit her website: http://www.monicamachastage.com/


Friday, February 22, 2013

Tour Six Warm Springs Base Condos and Townhomes, February 23

Ski Lover's Unite! Tired of taking the long route to the slopes? Look no further as we have six different and equally unique Warm Springs condos/townhomes on tour today.
Saturday, February 23, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, we will have an array of Warm Springs condos and townhomes open for a quick and easy way to see many homes in one afternoon. Hopefully to find a place to call your new "Ski Home".

Pick up a tour list at Sun Valley Sotheby's International Realty, located on 291 North Main Street and join us for the tour. For more information on the properties on tour, visit our website.  
 

Foodie Friday: Citrus Smoothie

Although there are many restaurants I could have featured this week, I am choosing to highlight a green smoothie.

Ah yes, I know this gets a knee-jerk reaction from many of you, and the thought of "choking down" another health food green smoothie is never going to happen, and so be it, but it may be worth a try.

I am currently doing a 30-day green smoothie challenge via "Young and Raw", I am not a raw eater, but I do think I need more raw vegetables in my life, so this was an easy way to begin.

This smoothie was from Day 5, and the citrus tang was delightful to my taste buds, and hopefully will be to yours as well.

Lemon-Lime Smoothie

1 Frozen Banana (Peel and freeze whole bananas in a sealed container)
1 Lime, peeled <--- I only used the juice and a bit of pulp.
½ Lemon, juice only
2  Oranges, juiced (if you put the whole orange in your smoothie will be bitter)
2 handfuls of Spinach

Put all ingredients in your blender or vitamix and blend.

Happy Friday Everyone!


Thursday, February 21, 2013

Tour Five Elkhorn Luxury Homes - February 21, 2013

Looking to discover your new luxury home in Sun Valley, ID? Thursday February 21, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, we will have an array of luxury Elkhorn homes open for you to tour. A quick and easy way to see many homes in one afternoon.

Pick up a map at Sun Valley Sotheby's International Realty, located on 291 North Main Street and join us for the tour! For more information on the properties on tour, visit our website.


Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Property Spotlight: 100 Skyline Drive

Located in one of Sun Valley's most sought after areas, this stunning home is private yet convenient to all of Sun Valley's amenities. Meticulously renovated top to bottom with the utmost attention to detail, this unique and stylish home features the finest finishes and perfectly blends the traditional with the contemporary. The soaring ceilings, expansive windows, and disappearing sliding doors create and indoor/outdoor living experience. The open kitchen, two living rooms, library, and media room combine to make this a wonderful family and entertaining home. For additional information please visit our website.

Indoor/Outdoor Living Area
Kitchen
Media Room
If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, an associate from Sun Valley Sotheby's International Realty can help. Please call our office 208.726.5300 to schedule a complimentary consultation, or to contact your current SVSIR agent.





Sunday, February 17, 2013

Tour Nine Ketchum, Idaho Homes and Condos - Sunday February 17th

The Ketchum, ID real estate market is heating up, and we have an assortment of condos and homes for you to tour Sunday, February 17 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm - ranging in price from $279,000 to $3,995,000.
A great way to discover your new Ketchum, ID residence!

Pick up a map at Sun Valley Sotheby's International Realty, located on 291 North Main Street and join us for the tour! For more information on the properties on tour, visit our website.



Friday, February 15, 2013

Foodie Friday: Tranquility Teahouse

One of our former agents, Pam Colesworthy, left the real estate business and started a tea house about a year ago, Tranquility Teahouse to be exact, and it has become a local staple for tea lovers and foodies alike.

Featuring over 30 teas to suit your mood, as well as lunches, special dinner's and the popular Wine Down Friday's, Tranquility Teahouse has made a name in the community for sweet (gluten-free) treats, delicious meals, bites and of course a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.

Their mission is to serve as a community gathering place that provides a sanctuary for general wellness and learning, all through the healing properties of tea. 

Make sure to swing by Tranquility Teahouse for tonight's event, after stopping by our office for our featured artist reception.
For more information on their teas, food and friendly atmosphere, visit their website: http://tranquilityteahouse.com/


Wednesday, February 13, 2013

The Collection of an Extraordinary Brand

More positive and innovative changes for Sotheby's International Realty in 2013, reiterate why we are so proud to be a part of this brand. A heritage dating back 269 years, with the inception of Sotheby's Auction House, Sotheby's International Realty continues to provide exceptional service from all of their 12,000 associates, and 650 offices worldwide located in 45 countries and territories.

Take a journey through our distinguished heritage and some of our global media collaborations by watching the video below.



 
At the core of our 2013 strategy are our relationships with pre-eminent media powerhouses in both the print and online arenas including: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, BBC.com, The Telegraph Media Group, Google, Architectural Digest and new this year, the Hong Kong Tatler. These relationships were developed to showcase unique properties from the Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s 650 offices in 45 countries and territories worldwide through unique, media rich advertising units that offer an immersive experience and position the brand in front of a relevant audience of consumers. Each relationship features elements that are exclusive to the Sotheby’s International Realty brand, created solely for it and featuring new technologies, tools and resources.
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The complete Sotheby’s International Realty marketing program will be available for network members to present to consumers on listing presentations via a unique and interactive digital format presentation created using the Adobe Digital Publishing Suite. The presentation, which is available to network members as an iPad app, allows for the brand to continuously make updates throughout the year so the latest information is available to its network at all times. It also provides an immersive experience for consumers, making it easier for agents to present and allowing consumers to see first-hand the avenues of exposure available to them.
Experience the Anthology app by watching the video below.

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“Our marketing plan was designed to deliver 700 million overall impressions, generating valuable exposure among our core audience of consumers: the connoisseurs of life,” said Wendy Purvey, chief marketing officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “We are taking a cutting edge and targeted approach in our marketing plan, which will help us create global connections and showcase the extraordinary homes our network represents. Our relationships with many of the world’s most influential news media have been cultivated over the course of several years and offer multiple levels of custom exposure for our network. Finally, our unique collaboration with Adobe ties our entire program together, allowing us to speak to the consumer in a new and interactive way that has traditionally been utilized by the world’s publishing powerhouses to promote their products.”
Adobe Digital Publishing Suite enables the Sotheby’s International Realty brand to extend its influence on mobile and tablet devices through innovative marketing efforts,” said Nick Bogaty, senior director, business development and marketing for Digital Publishing at Adobe “With specialized needs to communicate critical marketing messages to consumers, they are applying our publishing solution in a way that is unique in the real estate industry today.”
The Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s website, sothebysrealty.com, will continue to be enhanced throughout 2013. So far this year, search engine optimization enhancements have been made and the property detail pages and search result pages feature new designs to enhance the search experience. The brand also will continue to expand on its series of branded websites for specialty markets. Last year, it launched specialty market websites for Farm & Ranch, Waterfront and Ski, with Golf, Historic and Metropolitan to follow soon. Also, last year sothebysrealty.com surpassed 7 million visits and 4 million unique visitors for the first time.
 

Utilizing the Sotheby's International Realty brand, we provide a high level of service including professionalism, expertise and exceptional marketing to homebuyers and sellers.
Sun Valley Sotheby's International Realty has remained the market leader in our area year after year, and our brand is the framework of who we are.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Property Spotlight: 106 Sagewillow Road



East Coast cottage and classic Cape Cod come together in this gracious mountain home. Spectacular great room opens to expansive outdoor living area. The home features four bedrooms, five full baths, two half baths, den/library, office and guest quarters on an elevated two acre site. Designed with special attention to amazing mountain views, construction, finishes, and home efficiencies, this strikingly beautiful home provides the utmost in relaxed, sophisticated living.
Located in the Sagewillow subdivision of Elkhorn, amenities also include association pool, and tennis courts.
































For more information on the Sun Valley area real estate market and to find an expert real estate associate to consult, please call 208.726.5300 or visit our website www.sunvalleysir.com

Start your search with expertise.


Monday, February 11, 2013

Sun Valley Real Estate Market Indicators

Wondering what the market is doing in the Sun Valley area and beyond?

According to data from the Sun Valley Board of Realtors in January of 2013, the overall market was up 40% in volume sold in 2012 over 2011, a strong sign of recovery in the Sun Valley real estate market.

  • Many areas and sectors of the market have seen median sales price gains, and we are beginning to experience sales price gains in Sun Valley and Elkhorn townhomes and condos.**

  • Dollar volume of sold units in our area has had significant yearly gains in almost every sector since 2009, with our dollar volume sold being the best it has been since 2007.**
  • A similar acceleration in prices has yet to materialize for the non-residential/commercial sector which peaked in 2005. More loss than gain over the last 7 years, with a small increase measured from 2011 to 2012, showing this area of the market has still not entered recovery.**
  • REO sales peaked in the Sun Valley area in 2012, with a total of 190 distressed sales. The beginning of January 2013 holds only 18 REO properties on the market, with 50% of those pending. The falling share of distressed properties over time will lead to the median price of all homes to increase.**
  • Existing national home sales have been rising roughly at 8% to 10% from comparable period one year ago. Shortage of inventory in some markets and excessively tight underwriting standards hold back potentially bigger gains. Sales will likely rise above 5 million units nationally in 2013. National Association of Realtors
  • Nationally, home prices rose 5.5% in the 12 months ending in November 2012, for the 20-city composite. Prices are rising as are both new and existing home sales. These figures confirm that housing is contributing to economic growth. S&P Case Shiller

    ** Sun Valley Board of Realtors, 2012 over 2011

     

By providing a high level of services including professionalism, expertise and exceptional marketing to homebuyers and sellers, Sun Valley Sotheby's International Realty has remained the market leader in our area year after year.

 

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, an associate from Sun Valley Sotheby's International Realty can help. Please call our office 208.726.5300 to schedule a complimentary consultation, or to contact your current SVSIR agent.

 

Start your search with expertise.


 


Friday, February 8, 2013

Foodie Friday: Pioneer Saloon

There is something to be said about the longstanding restaurants in the Valley... not an easy feat when you have two slack seasons. One restaurant that sticks out in our mind and has quite a long history is the Pioneer Saloon.

 The Pioneer Saloon, renowned for perfectly aged, tender and flavorful beef, is typical of an earlier Idaho where ore wagons rattled down Main Street and business was done with a handshake and a drink. Natural woods, mounted game, and period firearms help recreate an authentic saloon atmosphere.

Located on Main Street Ketchum, this restaurant is a local's favorite. No reservations taken, and even at times when the wait is beyond an hour (or two), loyal patrons belly up to the bar and wait. The food is that good. So grab a bar marg or a beer, and enjoy some local conversation in the very western atmosphere.

A favorite meal of mine is a steamed artichoke to start, house salad with blue cheese dressing and the Jim Spud, a loaded (massive) Idaho potato with teryaki prime rib, cheese and grilled onions. If that isn't enough, try one of their combination plates, the petit filet and shrimp is always a winner.

The options are plentiful, so take a look over their menu for something that suits you.

Photos courtesy of Pioneer Saloon.


Wednesday, February 6, 2013

What You Get for $300,000 in the Sun Valley Area

Is it the time to buy in Sun Valley? We think so, as Sun Valley area real estate has never been so affordable. Here are a few of our top picks in the $300,000 range. And if you are in for more (or less), see a complete list of all area listings here.

Sun Valley, ID

WHAT: A two bedroom, two bath Atelier Condominium in the heart Sun Valley, ID

HOW MUCH: $310,000

SIZE: 944 Square Feet

PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT: $328.39

SETTING: A great value in the heart of the Sun Valley village. This ground floor, corner unit with good sun exposure facing Bald Mountain is in a quiet location, but still easily accessible. Enjoy all that Sun Valley, ID has to offer at a great price. An amenity package is available which includes access to the Sun Valley pools and tennis courts. Click here for additional details and photographs.
 
Ketchum, ID

WHAT: A two bedroom, two Bath Horizon 4 Condominium in the heart of Ketchum, ID

HOW MUCH: $279,000

SIZE: 1000 Square Feet

PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT: $279.00

SETTING: A clean, contemporary condo just steps to River Run and the Ketchum core. Upgrades include honed granite counters, new stainless appliances, sleek new cabinets, slate flooring and a lovely floor to ceiling rock fireplace. Spacious ground floor living and dining area lead to outdoor deck with peekaboo Baldy views through the shade trees. Amenities include clubhouse, pool and hot tub. Click here for additional details and photographs.


Elkhorn, Sun Valley, ID

WHAT: A two bedroom, two bath Ridge Condominium in the Elkhorn subdivision of Sun Valley, ID

HOW MUCH: $298,000

SIZE: 1,192 Square Feet

PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT: $250.00

SETTING:  The fabulous location overlooking the 8th green of the Sun Valley-Elkhorn golf course provides stunning mountain views.  Also located with close proximity to all the Sun Valley and Elkhorn amenities, this wonderful Ridge Condominium has been extensively upgraded with a remodeled kitchen, new pella windows, an expanded deck along with many other interior features.  Click here for additional details and photographs.

Click to view more listings in the $300,000 price range.
 

Monday, February 4, 2013

November 2012 Significant Sales: Sotheby's International Realty


This month’s issue of Significant Sales showcases top sales in Nantucket, San Francisco, Newport Beach, Nassau, Manhattan, Long Island, Greenwich and Dallas, Texas. November was another strong indication that the luxury end of the real estate market was poised to post one of the best years on record. We are very proud of all the affiliates in our network, as we continue to hear stories of top sales that are attributable to referrals as well as the brand marketing campaign.

See the entire list of top sales for November 2012 >

Courtesy Morissa Wagner Szmyt, www.sirluxury

Friday, February 1, 2013

Foodie Friday: A New Take on Tomato Soup

With the cold winter weather, what better way to warm up than with a great bowl of soup? I was struggling for a dinner recipe this week, when one of our agent's offered up a new (and very simple) tomato soup recipe to try.

Luckily, I had every ingredient needed at home, so I was sold.

Tomato Soup with Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 28 oz cans of Italian Diced Tomatoes (do not drain)
1/2 Large Yellow Onion, chopped
3 Cloves Garlic, diced
6 Cups Low Sodium Broth (Vegetable or Chicken will work)
4 oz Log of Goat Cheese
Bunch of Fresh Basil, chopped

Directions:

Heat the olive oil on medium heat in a large pot. Add onions and garlic and simmer for 5 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the tomatoes, including liquid, and the broth and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 45 minutes.

Add the goat cheese and blend the mixture with a hand held blender. (You can use a normal blender, but be prepared for a bigger mess and do it in batches.) Once the soup is blended, stir in the fresh basil and serve.

This soup pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese.

Thank you Martha Hausmann for sharing this wonderful recipe... I feel like I may have left something out, or maybe I think that because it really is that easy...

Happy Friday from Sun Valley, ID!