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Luxury Homes

Luxury. Elegance. Refinement. Many words come to mind when thinking of luxury. The same is true when thinking of luxury homes. Luxury homes in our market are defined by their presence, spaces, materials, features, and locations.

So, what makes a home a luxury home? If luxury is something enjoyable or comfortable beyond life’s necessities, in many ways, we all live in some level of luxury.

I know Luxury Homes. In our market, luxury homes begin at about $700,000. Of course, at the moment, $1.5 million is the new $700,000.

A true luxury home is not just one of size, but of presence. It must look grand from the curb and include the look of comfort and pleasure from the lawn to the exterior building materials. In our market, most houses over $500,000 include hardcoat stucco as a building material, either as an accent or main feature. Other building materials included are stone, and brick. Special features such as a circular drive, fountain, or guard house add to the persona of the home.

There are large homes with upgrades that may approach $700,000, but in contrast, a Charlotte area luxury home is defined by its spaces. A paneled den or study is a must for true sophisticated homes in our area. So, too, is a media room. Some of the best I’ve seen rival high end hotel or private club media rooms. Other spaces typical of refined homes include walk-in pantries, wine rooms, wine cellars and libraries. I personally don’t like to see Jack and Jill baths (two bedrooms joined by a common bathroom) in anything over $1,000,000.

In the good ole days, a truly outstanding home in the Charlotte market began at $180 per square foot and beyond. In this current climate, few are being built, but those that are still include custom floor plans and are still being up fitted with well-appointed features and materials.

Some unique materials included in magnificent homes consist of on-site hand milled paneling, such as would be seen in a paneled den or study, or a custom handcrafted stained glass ceiling feature. Others feature award-winning hand-hewn stone fireplaces carved from such exotic places as the Yucatan Peninsula, and fashioned on-site. Media rooms feature the highest resolution projectors available on the market, and some feature whole-house Smart House systems, integrating IT, Surveillance, and Energy Efficiency.

For a complete list of luxury homes available in the Charlotte Metro area, email your request with phone number. I’ll follow up after you’ve had a chance to review the offerings.

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Posted by The Builder - April 25, 2012 at 1:51 am

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A Luxury Home Builder Can Make Your Dream a Reality

It has been recently announced that Australians now have the largest homes in the world. We have surpassed America for the first time. Recent trends in the Australian and American home markets have resulted in the fact that Australians are currently building, on average, the largest new homes. If you are in the market for a new home then you may want to consider hiring a reputable luxury house builder in Sydney.

A luxury home builder can help your dream become a reality. Perhaps you will have a luxury house built that will be included in this Australian trend. Regardless of the overall size of your dream home, Sydney offers several quality luxury builders that can help your dream come into fruition.

The construction phase is actually the second phase of realizing your dream. You will need to have a plan to build from. You may have a plan in mind already or you may want to consult a professional. You can also browse the internet for sources on floor plans that may match your desires.

Some luxury house builders in Sydney can provide you an all-in-one service. This means that along with the building process, they can also help you with the planning stage. This can be a great benefit when building a luxury home. This type of service provides you with an assurance that the builder and the architect have a good working relationship. This is important in order to have your dream home ends up exactly as you visualized.

Luxury home builders offer high quality construction and use only the best products available. It is important that every detail be exactly as you expected. You will also want to make sure that the materials used in building your luxury house are indeed the best available.

While luxury is obviously important to you, you do not have to over pay for it. Finding a luxury home builder that understands the value of money will help you in keeping the costs to a minimum. You may feel that cost is not an objective you want quality and you want to pay for it, but this should not mean that a builder should try to make a large profit by overcharging you on construction costs. There are several luxury builders in Sydney that can help you keep the costs within your budget.

Luxury home builders can provide you with an offering of luxury plans or help you create your own custom plan. They should also provide you with an assurance that your home will be exactly what you are expecting. Many builders will also allow you to be involved in every phase of the construction. This is very important since your dream home should be exactly as you dreamt.

Selecting from the list of luxury builders in Sydney should involve finding someone who has a reputation for quality. You should also look for someone who has plenty of experience. You will probably only have one luxury home custom built for you in your lifetime, it should be a good experience that ends up with the results you desire.

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Posted by The Builder - April 24, 2012 at 9:09 pm

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Lake Norman Luxury Homes – 6 Tips For Buying Your Luxury Home

Lake Norman NC is one of the greatest places to live in all of North Carolina and the Southeast. Living at Lake Norman has been described as being on vacation 365 days a year.

For the discerning buyer, Lake Norman offers many choices and areas to buy a luxury home. For the sake of argument, we define luxury homes as those listed for $1,000,000 and above.

Here are 6 tips for buying your Lake Norman Luxury Home.

1. Learn the search process.

Many luxury homes go unlisted to protect a seller’s privacy. These properties are often found through the Realtor’s personal blogs and luxury websites as opposed to the MLS and/or signage. Lake Norman is surrounded by 4 counties, Iredell and Mecklenburg to the south and east and Lincoln, Catawba to the North and West. Each has it own benefits and personalities. While the south and east sides are more established, the north and west are more rural.

2. Look beyond the photos.

Make sure you don’t dismiss properties based on their front elevation photos. Many large homes aren’t depicted adequately in these photos. Many times you need have to see them in person to appreciate the size and true value. This is especially the case with waterfront property. I recommend my clients do a search of the property and vicinity on Google Earth so you can see what’s around the home. Some homeowners and realtors and will provide aerial photos of these listings which offer great assistance to the luxury home buyer. If a home states it is waterfront and there are no pictures of the water, be leary of this property. We have very expensive homes in our area that say they are waterfront but the actual frontage and/or view can be lacking especially with homes on the back side of coves.

3. Find a local expert.

It’s critical to have a good buyer agent who is familiar with the area you want to buy in. There’s a bit more control on access to high-end properties in terms of fewer open houses and often times confirmed appointments have to be made to see them. Also, the area in which you buy around Lake Norman may have challenges from traffic to future development that you will want to be aware of. Lastly, places that are a part of a Country Club have additional fees that play into the entire cost of your purchase. In the winter time, Duke Energy lowers the level of the lake from full pond. Make sure you find someone that is aware of the pitfalls of this annual occurrence.

4. Document everything.

There is more scrutiny in today’s lending environment, especially in the high-end market. Financial documentation is critical. Anyone who is making a lot of money has a manager or an accountant and tries hard to shelter their money so it can be difficult to show the bank you have the income to purchase. In today’s market, often showings are not even allowed without some sort of pre-qualification that you can afford the purchase.

5. Look into the future.

Make sure you know what going on around you. How will future construction or foreclosures affect the value of your purchase. Also, the days of 20%-30% increases in valued over 3-5 years in the Lake Norman area are gone. What are your expectations for return on value? Most luxury home buyers buy because of the lifestyle, not because they expect to buy for a million and sell for two million in a couple of years. In our area some of the biggest and most prestigious communities have had an influx of foreclosures. Make sure you research how these foreclosures might affect future values. This has been especially over the years in Iredell and Mecklenburg counties in towns like Mooresville and Cornelius.

6. Points to Negotiate

It’s the sum of numerous individual points that create value; the lake view or construction choices often makes these properties one of a kind and makes them able to command a particular price. Have your agent research the comparable properties that have recently sold, getting closing prices, before you make an offer. Many original homeowners or those that have done substantial remodeling put substantial value to the choices they have made. Be sure to gain an understanding of these choices that may or may not be obvious to the naked or inexperienced eye. This understanding may help you in your offer choices and understand the negotiation tactics of the seller. Also, in our area we have some builders with very strong reputations. Knowledge of the builders can not only help with negotiations but also with confidence of future value.

Finally,

Make sure you have not only figured the cost of home and mortgage, but also the utilities and maintenance. This is important in calculating the home’s affordability. Individuals who want to purchase purely for investment need to be careful. You must take into consideration that most luxury homes do not have a high turnover rate and as mentioned above, return on value on the Lake Norman area has changed.

All things considered, owning a luxury home certainly has its perks. But keep in mind that the home price is just the beginning of what you should expect to pay. Luxury living is not just about buying an expensive property. It’s a lifestyle that requires maintenance and responsibility.

Also, be aware that counties like Iredell, Lincoln and Catawba are known for especially low taxes while Mecklenburg taxes are considerably more.

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Posted by The Builder - April 24, 2012 at 4:52 pm

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Custom Luxury Homes

When having a piece of land in Los Angeles and you are wanting to build, there are several options for the builder. For example, you can build it yourself, or one of the more popular options is to go with a designer who builds custom luxury homes. Why do this instead of going with your own design? Well there are many reasons, and this article will give the numerous reasons why.

For starters, working with builders of custom luxury homes mean that you get to work with more than just a builder or architect. You get to work with a designer as well to make sure you get what you want. For example, if you decide you want a Spanish influence on your new home, the company will find a designer who has experience or has even been to Spain to make sure you have an authentic feeling to the house.

Secondly, if you use a custom luxury home designer you may pay more than if you were to just work with a contractor or builder. However, if you ever plan to sell your house, you will make more profit. Those that move to the LA area are looking for luxury homes to buy. Working with a luxury home specialist guarantees that your home will be among the few that can claim luxury.

Third of all, even if you have an idea of how you want the house to look once you finish it, those designers that work with a custom luxury home company will be able to offer ideas that you may have never thought of. In return, your home could turn out better than you could have ever imagined.

When working with a team of those who design custom luxury homes they should be able to provide you with an estimated budget of the entire project. If not, then look elsewhere. Any reputable company should also have numerous examples of projects that they can show you as a reference. In fact, they should also have numerous customer reviews of their projects and the name or number of the person so you can get in contact them.

Working with a custom luxury home designer is a way for you to get the home that you always wanted. It may seem like a waste of time, but those who have done so in the past are surprised at just how happy they are with the outcome. And when they sell their home, they know that it will be far more than other houses in the neighborhood because it is considered so unique and luxurious.

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Posted by The Builder - April 24, 2012 at 1:19 pm

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Luxury Homes – Important Things to Consider

Normally people come up with the desire of having a more spacious and luxurious home. There is nothing wrong with this.

It can be an inspiration for all people to work hard in order to achieve what you want. One of the number one dreams of most people is to have Miami luxury home that they can call their own. But with the limited budget that they have, they usually think that it is impossible for them to have one. If you feel this way, well you are definitely wrong because with the proper research and assistance you will surely have one.

When buying a Miami luxury home, it is important that you have to choose the perfect location for your home. Actually there are lots of areas where you can find homes. When you are into investing, you have to spend enough time in thinking about the right location for your luxury home. To avoid this to happen, it is important that you have to stick with two to three options for the right locations. It will be better if you are going to determine the neighborhood that you prefer to have. With this, you can decide easily the right location for your luxury home.

Each of the Miami luxury home have unique and beautifully design home. Before you go on with your search, it will be better if you are going to know exactly what you prefer and what you are looking for. If you prefer to have a good neighborhood, there are single family homes that are truly luxurious if you search it right. But if you want to live in a building, there are lots of condo buildings that you can choose from in Miami.

It will be easier for you to find the right Miami luxury home, if you know what you want or prefer. These homes are far different from those average homes because they usually comes in customized features. So if you are checking out the property or you settle on new constructions, it is important that you have to include your specification in order to get assurance that you will be comfortable and convenient as you start living in it.

Finance is one of the important issues when buying a Miami luxury homes. Make sure that you have enough amounts for this great purchase. Since purchasing one involves huge amount of money, then you might want to consider searching for the best lender that will finance their investment.

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Posted by The Builder - April 24, 2012 at 10:07 am

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I Want To Sell My Luxury Home And Keep It A Secret – Selling Millionaire Homes; The Dilemma

Selling a millionaire home is hugely different than selling any other type of real estate. Many owners quite rightly do not want Luxury home window shoppers trampling over their marble floors. Millionaire home owners by their very nature can be newsworthy individuals. So opening your doors to just anybody is simply not on.

Proud of what they have achieved

Owning a home that makes us mere mortals slip off into a dream-like state is a huge achievement. So the first question a buyer wants to ask is why you are selling. Have you hit hard times? Is your business about to collapse? Are you going through a divorce? Have you got an expensive legal case to pay for? The millionaire home owner does not want the world to know about any negative side to their financial situation. These types of questions are not only a source of embarrassment but could actually affect an individual’s business.

I want to have a peek at how they live!

Well I admit it I want to have a look at that stunning luxury home. We are all curious and when it comes to luxury homes, we would all like to marvel at the tennis courts, swimming pool, helicopter landing pad, and designer bedrooms. So to sell a home you must not only be able to understand the seller but also the average buyer. This will help reduce unnecessary intrusion into the lives of Millionaire home owners selling a luxury home.

Some home truths for Millionaire dollar home owners

To sell a home it unfortunately requires marketing. The Luxury home buyer is a rare breed and they need to see pictures and learn intimate details about your home. But most of all they need to find your million dollar home for sale. The more expensive a home the more likely that the buyer will be from out of state or even from overseas. Marketing your luxury home on the internet will be essential. Find a property web site that represents similar homes and is not hard to find. You will need a web site that is found easily in the search engines. For example go to the world’s busiest search engine google.com and type a typical search term that a luxury home buyer may use.

For example

Millionaire homes,

Millionaire houses,

Million dollar homes,

Luxury homes.

Choose an agent or property web site that makes your home easy to find. The trick is getting a genuine buyer who has the means and intention to buy a luxury home. Our experience shows that genuine buyers will not mind being subject to a few searching questions. This is especially the case if they are really keen about buying your millionaire home.

Your secret is safe

This special part of the housing market requires people that can show empathy for both buyers and sellers. Getting into the mind of a luxury home owner and understanding the mindset of millionaire home owners is not only professional but is essential.

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Posted by The Builder - April 24, 2012 at 6:18 am

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Experience Luxurious Lifestyle in a Luxury Home

It is every individual’s dream to live in a big home that is fully furnished, luxurious outdoor space and with a very beautiful architectural structure. It is really delightful to live in a home like this. In this case, it would be better if you are going to live in a Miami luxury home with a backyard view of the ocean. Having this kind of home and ambiance then it is really luxurious type of lifestyle.

Miami is a well known city because of the different real estate options and the things that it can offer to people. Most of the home in Miami is made from luxurious styles and designs. The Miami luxury home comes with the variety to choose from. You can check out their single-family homes, impressive homes of those luxurious condo units. These properties are fully furnished with world class furnishings and high tech appliances that will make everything easy for you. Aside from the luxurious interior accessories, some of these properties have their own tennis court, golf course, swimming pools and playground for children. And what makes it more gorgeous is its landscape.

In searching for the right Miami luxury home, you have to choose first the right neighborhood that will fit your needs and wants. There are lots of luxury homes around Miami, but finding the right home is one of the important aspects that you must give importance. There are luxury properties that are near to the different establishments. There are also situated near to those entertainment and recreational amenities. You just have to determine the right community for you and for sure you will find the right one. Most of these properties are in the center of the different establishments and amenities and this is the reason why these properties become so popular for those people who can afford to have them.

And because these properties are becoming so popular, there are lots of people who wish to own one. And because of the housing slump that gripped the entire nation, these properties are also affected. There is also price decrease on these properties that is why they become affordable for most people. This is the right time for average home buyers to buy a Miami luxury homes. If you are interested to buy a luxury home, then you have to contact an experience Miami real estate agent that will help you to find the right property to buy or rent. Now you can experience living in luxury and impressive lifestyle.

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Posted by The Builder - April 24, 2012 at 2:17 am

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Phoenix Luxury Homes

Despite the “housing bubble” horror stories promulgated by the mainstream “media” today, the market for Phoenix real estate is still expanding. Whether you’ve owned and/or you are an investor in luxury new homes, or you’re one of the smart ones who have taken advantage of highly favorable economic conditions for investors since 2001 and now what to show off your success to others, you’ll find plenty of Phoenix real estate to choose from.

What Are Considered “Luxury Properties”?

This is a relative term that varies from one part of the country (and even the world) to another. For example, a home that is considered “low-end” in Sacramento, California may be considered the epitome of luxury in say, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Likewise, tiny 800-square foot waterfront condos in Seattle could easily qualify as luxury new homes, whereas similar condos along the Missouri River in Omaha might not.

Additionally, the real estate profession makes a neat distinction between luxury new homes, luxury estates and luxury properties, based primarily on location.

The common denominator is market value. Like all luxury properties, Phoenix luxury homes are valued at $1 million or more. Because of the space available, Phoenix homes for sale in the luxury category are much larger in terms of square footage that their San Francisco or Manhattan counterparts; such luxury homes for sale in Phoenix are also located in the best neighborhoods and communities, and feature spectacular views of the desert scenery.

Some other factors that puts such Phoenix real estate in the “luxury” category:

· Custom design and construction

· Historical significance

· Proximity to amenities (golf courses, etc.)

· Low or no crime rate

· Far from industrial areas

Today, the savvy investor and/or homebuyer will find many such Phoenix luxury homes on the market from which to choose.

Phoenix Luxury Homes Meet Higher Standards

If you are considering an investment in Phoenix real estate for sale, you should know that such homes are inspected thoroughly several times before the sale is finalized. Besides all the other privileges enjoyed by the investor class in America, buyers and investors in Phoenix real estate that is classified as “luxury” are able to purchase their homes anonymously by going through a real estate attorney.

Eternal Summertime

Phoenix real estate is located in a part of the world that enjoys virtual summer 365 days a year. You can’t walk very far in Phoenix without crossing a golf course, and there are plenty of other recreational opportunities as well.

In addition, Phoenix is a vibrant and culturally active community. Phoenix real estate is a smart investment not only financially, but in quality of life.

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Posted by The Builder - April 23, 2012 at 10:58 pm

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Four Secrets to Negotiating a Killer Deal in the Luxury Home Market – Part 1

If you want to know how to buy your dream home for pennies on the dollar, then you’re in the perfect spot. In this 4 part article, I’m going to give you specific strategies to find, negotiate and buy your dream home at deeply discounted prices … just like the pro’s do.

Okay… So let’s get started with the basics…

Step 1: Getting Ready To Purchase

As with any real estate purchase you need to be sure you are prepared for what will come. There is no point is wasting gas, time, or effort if you are unable to get a loan, or pay for the property. When buying a luxury home or waterfront property there is a lot more competition. There are a lot less truly luxurious homes out there and only so much waterfront property available. It is heart breaking for people to find the perfect property and then discover it is out of their price range, or worse they get rejected because their financing is not in place. Be prepared then when that perfect property comes around you can snap it up!

Here are the top 6 ways to prepare for your purchase.

1. Get your pre-qualification letter, or ascertain exactly how much cash you have to spend. Since Luxury homes and waterfront properties often fall into the jumbo loan category, lenders will only consider very qualified buyers. Keep in mind pre-qualification can take longer on jumbo loans, and is much more intensive, requiring a much larger down payment.

2. Find an agent that is a “luxury specialist“. Just like rural property or commercial property, luxury homes and waterfront property come with their own challenges. The average single family home agent will not be aware of all the variables. Buying a property is always complex, throw waterfront or 6000 sq. ft. of living space into the mix and things get even more complicated.

3. With a high end home as with waterfront the land is much more important than the structure. The old adage location, location, location is very true when purchasing these high ticket items. You can change the house but not the property so find a location you truly love.

4. Get your insurance sorted out early. Insurance for waterfront property can be very costly and an often requires more than one policy. In some states you have to purchase flood, wind, and general hazard insurance, typically not all through the same insurance company. A luxury home also will require more insurance, contact your insurance company before purchasing and get an idea of the costs.

5. Talk to the neighbors. This is always a good idea whether you are buying a mansion, waterfront or an urban single family home. Neighbors know a lot about what is going on in that area. Some people feel uncomfortable knocking on neighbors’ doors, in general most are very understanding and welcome telling you about what they know. A good way to approach them is when they are out front of their homes, and then a short conversation about the area is easy for them and very informative for you.

6. In rural areas (like equestrian neighborhoods) check into the utilities. Luxury home and waterfront buyers who are accustomed to the connivance of suburban life may assume the availability of water, cable, electricity, adequate septic system. This is not always the case. Bringing these services to a remote area can be very expensive, make sure and investigate these issues before you buy.

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Posted by The Builder - April 23, 2012 at 7:38 pm

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Demands For Luxury Home

There are lots of people who are really captivated with Miami in different reasons. It has been considered as one of the best place fro those luxury homes.

Do you want to know why? There are many reasons for this and one of the best reasons is that its location is superb and it offers so much for its residents. People are also attracted with the beauty of the sunset and those pristine beaches. And of course the tropical weather in the city what makes it perfect for those vacationers. And because it is one of the most wanted cities in Florida, the luxury market excels too. There are lots of neighborhoods and communities in city that offers Miami luxury home. Now there are lots of celebrities that are buying their own luxury home to be their vacation or rest house. And because of the great demand for these homes in Miami, most of the developers of these properties continue to build more homes in order to supply the growing demand for these luxury properties.

The common notion about Miami luxury homes markets is that there is always a great demand for these properties. But during the economic crisis the numbers of demand for these luxury properties are point downwards but still there are lots of developers who are still eager in building more elegant and great homes. It is all because these developers believe on the potential of the Miami real estate market.

There are some reports that the condo market is not doing well but this does not mean that it is not wise not to consider Miami as a luxury hot spot. There are some areas like South Beach and other beach areas where the potential is high and there are lots of prominent people not only in Miami that have their own Miami luxury home and condo. And because of this Miami is considered as one of the top location where there are lots of luxury home in the nations, but is a little bit frustrating as you look at the current numbers as it continues to decline.

As far as home is concern, Miami is still the hot market because of the different reason. Miami is rich with culture and different personalities and addition to this is the beautiful weather makes you surprised in amazement; this is what makes Miami as one of the better market when it comes to homes. Now developers and investors are making some strategies in order to attract buyers in order to bring back the attractions of people to the Miami luxury homes.

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Posted by The Builder - April 23, 2012 at 4:37 pm

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Live the Good Life in a Luxury Home

We all dream of living in a luxury home. After all, our favorite celebrities live in mansions and owning a luxury property is the perfect way to show the world that you have finally “made it.” But, what exactly is found in a high end property and what sets it apart from other homes? While the feature that are found in luxury homes are just as varied as the people who live in them, here is a look at some of the most popular trends in today’s high end market.

#1: Cozying Up to a Fireplace – in the Bathroom

While a growing number of homes are including a fireplace in the living room or den, one of the trends in luxury homes is to add a fireplace to the bathroom. Since luxury homes tend to have very large bathrooms, there is plenty of space for a fireplace next to the bath. Not only does it look attractive, it also creates a nice, cozy atmosphere when relaxing in the tub.

#2: Heading to the Great Outdoors

Many homeowners are choosing to create an outdoor kitchen or other outdoor living space, but luxury houses take the outdoor kitchen to the extreme. In fact, the outdoor kitchens found in luxury homes tend to have all of the great amenities that most homeowners only dream of having in their indoor kitchen. For example, the outdoor kitchens may feature granite countertops and stainless steel ovens, ranges, sinks and refrigerators. The outdoor kitchens of luxury homes are also typically located near to other amenities that are ideal for entertaining, such as gazebos and swimming pools.

#3: Making Your Home Smart

While it is not unusual for a home to have security system, luxury homes usually have Smart Home Sensors. Smart Home Sensors are connected to a computer that automatically takes certain actions depending upon the command that is provided. With just the press of a button, the home will automatically lock the home’s doors and windows when leaving or when going to bed at night.

#4: Move Your Walls

With the help of movable walls, the owners of luxury houses can easily transform two smaller rooms into one larger room. Of course, when these walls are in place, no one would ever be able to guess that they are movable because they are creatively disguised in the form of bookcases or other natural-looking devices. When it comes time to entertain large groups of people, the wall can be easily moved with just the push of a button. When it’s time to make things a bit cozier or when separate rooms are needed, such as a playroom for the kids or a private den for studying, the wall can be put right back into place.

#5: Bring the Party Home

As might be expected of those who live in luxury properties, opportunities for entertainment are taken whenever possible. As such, many luxury homes feature large, custom wine cellars. In fact, it is not uncommon for the wine cellar in a luxury home to be larger than the bedrooms found in a more traditional home. Of course, rooms for entertaining are typically located next to these cellars.

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Posted by The Builder - April 23, 2012 at 12:49 pm

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Philippine Luxury Homes

People from all sides of the world are now visiting the Philippines because of the country’s simple beauty and colorful sights. As a tropical country, the Philippines also boast more than 7,000 islands, all with expressive culture, good food, great beaches, and even better hospitality and service. In line with this, the native Filipinos and foreigners alike, together with Filipinos that are working abroad are now thinking of their next step when it comes to property investments.

Philippine luxury homes may be the answer to a better retirement, an inevitable investment, or just the answer to one’s happiness. Whatever the reason may be, this would be the perfect time to search for the right luxury home here in the tropical islands of the Philippines. Everybody knows how life is set at a much slower pace in the country, especially in the provinces. This may be what people would want– a slower pace in life, to be able to enjoy life’s simpler pleasures.

Several property industries are set to give the Filipino people a taste of their own country. By slowly investing on large residential and commercial lands and turning it into paradise, these property giants really know what they are doing. Philippine luxury homes can be found anywhere in the Philippines, from the outskirts of the city, to luxury homes beside business districts and important landmarks. Either way, people would easily recognize the sumptuous environment that these luxury homes have to offer.

Large open areas, gardens, or golf courses may be the background sights for the luxury homes here in the Philippines. Of course, future residents may only want to see the bareness of their environment, so as to lessen the feel of being busy and the feel of clutter around them. Tranquil and calm would overall define Philippine luxury homes here, simply because of the atmosphere that they are working on.

Generally defined as something conducive to pleasure and comfort, luxury is something that Filipinos would surely love. Given the fact that Filipinos enjoy comfort and fun, a luxury home might be the next target for the Filipino family’s future plans. On the other hand, overseas Filipino workers may also give interest in investing on luxury homes in the country. With the right payment schemes and the perfect home, overseas workers would surely give in and invest on a home that, in the future, would make them see and catch up on the beauty and wonder of their own country. For foreigners, this would be an opportunity for them to witness how grand it is to live in a tropical country such as ours. By living in a luxury home here in our country, they would surely live in style without spending much, while they enjoy our environment, as well as our people, and forget their 9-5 daily work routine back where they used to live. Indeed, Philippine luxury homes might change the life that one lives, and would open one’s eyes and make them see the beauty of what our country has to offer.

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Posted by The Builder - April 23, 2012 at 8:25 am

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Houston Texas Luxury Homes

Houston offers Texas luxury homeowners many of the same amenities of the Big Apple but with a southwestern flavor. Only New York City has as many Fortune 500 companies as Houston. The city is known as the ‘energy capital of the world’ and is also home to the world’s largest medical and research center-Texas Medical Center. The Houston Astros, Texas Oilers and Houston Rockets provide top notch athletic events for Houston’s visitors. And the Houston Museum District offers culture and variety that many say rivals New York’s museums. The city is one of the wealthiest in the nation and luxury homes are found throughout the metropolitan Houston area.

The Museum District is where many looking for Houston luxury homes begin their search. Many new high rise condominiums are opening. These homes are great for young executives how want a home without a lot of maintenance. Some like a large penthouse but other prefer the coziness of a smaller condo. Many of these have the luxuries of large homes-wine cellars, guest quarters and indoor hot tubs.

From it’s pristine golf course to the long list of celebrities that live there, River Oaks is considered by many to be the most luxurious areas of Houston. Many of the homes there are not just beautiful-they are large. Many include 10 or more bedrooms and an area for the maid to live. New luxury homes are being constructed every day as older ones being replaced. According to the United States Census Bureau, this is one of the wealthiest zip codes in the country.

West University Place attracts professionals from almost every type of career. The neighborhood is home to oil executives, NASA employees and those from the medical community. West University Place is a mixture of tree lined streets with family homes and larger luxury homes. The community is an incorporated city with its own city council and fire protection.

Located west of the downtown Houston, Hedwig Village is another incorporated community with many luxury homes and more are under construction. Hedwig Village is governed by a mayor and city council and offers city services such as garbage pick up. Like West University Place, Hedwig Village is a mixture of luxury homes and upper middle class residences.

Tanglewood is another exclusive community in Houston. With home ranging in price from half a million dollars to more several million dollars, the area is known as Houston’s exclusive community. Tanglewood, located west of the city, is known for its large trees that line the streets. The Houston Country Club is just minutes away.

Not only does Houston have a variety of luxury home communities, but a variety of styles of homes. These styles include:

• Tudor style home

• Traditional ranch style homes

• Colonial-style mansions

• Mediterranean style luxury homes

As mentioned earlier, Houston has many downtown luxury condominiums. You will also find many luxury town homes in the area.

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Posted by The Builder - April 23, 2012 at 3:49 am

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Luxury Homes – Wealth Defined

Even when the real estate sector is at its lowest, there are some segments in the market that remain the same. One of these segments is the luxury real estate sector, which is targeted at very wealthy buyers. Quite predictably, agents who work on the very wealthy segment of the population are spared from financial uncertainties.

As it is, while other real estate agents are scrambling to find buyers for foreclosed properties, agents of luxury real estate are targeting and finding wealthy clients to buy luxurious properties.

By Definition: Luxury Real Estate

Different countries have different definitions of what is a luxury home. In general, however, the “luxury” in luxury homes is qualified according to these considerations:

o The size of the house and its property,

o If the property faces the ocean, as in the case of waterfront properties,

o Proximity to luxury amenities like golf courses, and

o The market value of the property

Different countries have different lower limits on what is considered a luxurious property. In the United States, the lower limit is pegged at $1 million. Luxury real estate properties are found all over the world. In the United States, you can find a concentration of them in these locations: New York City, Westchester County, The Hamptons, Palm Beach, Litchfield County, Greenwich, Northern California, Southern California, Jackson Hole, Santa Fe, and Sun Valley.

There is no standard look to luxury real estate properties. Their designs are often inspired from a plethora of influences. Of course, how they actually look depends largely on the creativity of the designer.

Luxury Real Estate Companies

Unlike ordinary real estate companies, luxury real estate companies have greater concerns. They often have to advertise and market nationally and even internationally to attract buyers. With mid-priced properties, local advertising is often enough to attract potential buyers.

Apart from marketing, luxury real estate companies also have broader legal concerns. From dealing with lawyers and trusts to addressing buyer anonymity issues, they have to be adept at handling these to survive in the business. In other words, luxury real estate requires ultra-personalized and exceptional customer service.

Buying Your Luxury Property

In buying luxury homes, you need to find and work with a real estate company that specializes in luxury real estate. In choosing a company, make sure it has a global marketing reach. What should your real estate company do for you?

o Sit down and talk with you about your home requirements as well as your preferences on price, location and style.

o Search for and show you the luxury homes that best fit your requirement and taste.

o Help you to critically evaluate the viewed properties and, at your request, prepare a comparison chart on the properties.

o Handle all the details and negotiations related to buying the property.

o Prepare a purchase agreement between you and the property owner.

o Follow through until you are the legal owner of the property.

That being said, you can now go out and buy.

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Posted by The Builder - April 22, 2012 at 10:54 pm

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Scottsdale Luxury Homes

The prime real estate that is today home to Scottsdale luxury homes once had the exotic-sounding name of “Vashai S’vash-onih.” In the Hokan-Coahuiltecan language of the local Yavapai Indians, this translates as “The Place of Rotting Hay…” not exactly a flattering description. Small wonder the name was changed to Scottsdale. Today’s well-manicured Scottsdale luxury properties belie that impression held by the early natives. Given the spectacular desert scenery, the abundance of cultural and educational institutions, entertainment venues and recreational facilities, it’s small wonder that Scottsdale luxury homes are so valued by investors and homeowners alike.

Upscale Residences in Prime Communities

Scottsdale luxury real estate is generally defined as having a value of $1 million or more, although some residential Scottsdale real estate comes in at $10 million or more. In addition, such Scottsdale luxury properties can be identified by the three hallmarks of quality real estate: location, location, location. A Scottsdale realtor can show you luxury homes for sale that are located right next to beautiful desert preserves and convenient to world-class golf courses.

Some gated communities also feature amenities such as full health club facilities, tennis courts, community swimming pools and bicycle and hiking trails.

An Investment in Time

If you are considering the purchase of Scottsdale luxury real estate for sale, you should know that because of the high value of these properties, the process is different and somewhat slower than the average home-buying process. In America, it is important to protect the wealth of successful investors who were smart enough to take advantage of the economic trends since 2001; realizing that Scottsdale luxury homes represent a considerable investment in times of market uncertainty, your Scottsdale realtor will make certain that all luxury homes for sale undergo repeated thorough inspections – far and above what is done for average working homebuyers. Scottsdale real estate experts will make sure that your investment is safe, secure and trouble-free, so you can spend your time enjoying the sun, golf, culture, everything else Scottsdale has to offer!

Competition

Keep in mind that the market for such luxurious and valuable Scottsdale real estate for sale is not confined to the U.S.; it is a truly global market. As the value of the U.S. dollar continues its precipitous collapse, foreign investors are taking a good hard look at Scottsdale luxury homes – so expect that there’ll be some real and increasing competition for these choice properties as time goes on. Now is the time to take a serious look at investing in Scottsdale luxury homes.

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Posted by The Builder - April 22, 2012 at 7:40 pm

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Tampa Luxury Home Options Are Vast

Tampa luxury homes are defined as those in the top of the price range for the area. The Tampa Bay area is unique in that luxury covers a broad spectrum of locations, dwellings, and options for opulence.

 

Waterfront property, beachfront, golf property, acreages, gated and private communities, historic districts all make the list of Tampa’s most luxurious. The best assets of Tampa are location and weather. Having the water so close offers a privileged buyer incredible sunset views while sipping champagne on his or her balcony. Find these Tampa luxury homes in the private communities of Beach Park, Westshore, South Gandy and Bayshore Boulevard. However, come inland a few miles and acreage and golf courses are abounds in Cheval and Cory Lake Isles.

 

Luxury homes in Tampa include townhouses and condominiums as well. Many of these properties are found in South Tampa in the historic SoHo district where restaurants and shopping are a short jaunt away. Typically the amenities are what is down the street rather than what’s found on the inside. The upside is the blank canvas to create a personalized masterpiece of a home.

 

Tampa luxury condos are also found in South Tampa, however in the high-rises of downtown or Bayshore Boulevard. Mostly new construction, property is plentiful and at drastically reduced prices. The housing boom a few years ago saw to that. Convenience of being at the center of the city and incredible views from these luxury homes of Tampa make owning one worth every penny.

 

Acquiring an opulent dwelling in Tampa means furnishing and outfitting it with the highest quality décor and technology. To furnish a Tampa luxury home, interior designers are often consulted. These professionals know where and how to match style with the scale of a larger home. More square footage means more options for grandeur. Luxury in Tampa homes can translate into options such as billiards rooms, cabanas, outdoor kitchens, nanny’s quarters, butlers’ kitchens, and walk-in pantries. These luxury Tampa homes are customized by their owners, built within specified parameters. If the owner wants two garages with car lifts, there is a way to do it.

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Posted by The Builder - April 22, 2012 at 3:50 pm

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Luxury Homes Today

Luxury Homes are expensive homes that are mostly owned by higher ranking people or well known people in the society. The characteristics that define luxury homes vary among countries because it depends upon the marketing status of each place as well as the property values that also depends on its location.

The classification takes into account the presence of surrounding homes, views, waterfronts, amenities, peacefulness of the place, commercialization, customizations of the home, and historical or architectural significance. The better the location is, the more the house can be classified as greater value.

Luxury houses are spreading, making the luxury home market booms. Companies operating in the luxury real estate market usually publish their own magazines online and in print in order to reach more people to publicize their brands.

Luxury properties usually begin in the low millions and go upward from there. However, luxury home buyers are not very particular with the prices; they are more focus on the quality of the house and its location. They typically understand that a home is the best possible personal investment so they should do their best to choose the best home for them.

A home right by the sea is many people’s dream but if you choose to buy a luxury house near the sea anticipate the consequences ahead of time. Thus, remember these key factors before looking those ads for luxury homes.

Sea water is naturally salty, combined with the windy or stormy environment near the sea are bad for houses and also not good for cars. So having a house right by the sea requires a lot of effort in frequent house and car cleaning activities. The house and the car should be kept clean to get rid of the salty substances brought by the air. Unfortunately, even without stormy weather, the sea air has still enough salt to cause erosion on houses or cars.

Having a luxury home comes with high maintenance and upkeep. Thus, if you have enough money to buy a luxury home but you do not have enough money to maintain. It is more preferable to suspend your dream of buying a home because without maintenance your luxury home could wear out.

Certainly a luxury house is not for everybody but for those who have enough money for buying and maintenance. No worries if you are one of the rich and famous people in the world, it is probably the good time for you to begin searching that elusive luxury house for you.

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Posted by The Builder - April 22, 2012 at 11:05 am

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New Luxury Homes for Sale – Steps to Acquiring Your Dream Home

New luxury homes for sale may not be for everyone, but many people continue to strive for more spacious and more lavish homes. Not even the economic recession stopped homebuyers from wanting to go big. This is why there are many new luxury home builders offering roomy custom-built homes for competitive prices.

The definition of luxury real estate is changing. Back in the day, a luxury home or real estate is a property priced at the upper 5-10% of the real estate market. This may be true today, as not everyone can afford deluxe cottages and extravagant mansions that new luxury home builders create. These builders simply extended their services to accommodate the growing demand for bigger homes. Today, they offer to build quality custom single-family homes and townhomes as well.

New luxury homes for sale are perfect for those who can afford it because you will be getting only the highest quality. Most luxury home builders have their own in-house architect that design energy-efficient yet still comfortable houses. They also offer extensive warranty for each property they build. They will conduct repairs for free during the first year, fix mechanical systems such as electrical wiring and plumbing the next, and offer warranty for structural elements by the tenth year.

New luxury home builders follow a strict process when offering their services to homebuyers. Familiarize yourself with some of the basic steps to acquiring your own lavish property.

Selection and Financing. The first step to finding any home is shopping around for builders and their designs. You will choose your own site and floor plan at the beginning. Their in-house architects will then ask about the customizations you want. You will then discuss financing options. Many builders offer their own in-house mortgage, making their company a one-stop shop for homebuyers.

Pre-construction Planning. Your builder will assign a project manager who will guide you through the entire process. Together, you will create a schedule and set different milestones. You will use these milestones later on to gauge whether or not the construction is going on time. They will ask you to review your selections one final time before beginning the building process. Part of the pre-construction planning is taking you to the site. They will explain your layout and give you an initial idea of how big your luxury house will be.

Pre-Drywall Inspection. You will not have to be there for the inspections the law requires, but builders will ask you to inspect the framing before they install the drywall and any mechanical systems. You will see the quality of construction and get a feel of your home for the first time. Visiting the site at this stage of construction lets you adjust the design and make changes easily.

Pre-Settlement Walkthrough and Delivery. The next time you will see your home is when it is complete. Your project manager will familiarize you on the features of your new home, as well as address any questions and issues you may raise. You can move into your new home after the closing process with your contractors.

Post-settlement reviews. Respected home builders will not stop their service after they finish building your new abode. They will visit after a specific period of time has passed and check how you are settling in. You can ask them any questions regarding your home’s construction and features, which they will address promptly.

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Posted by The Builder - April 22, 2012 at 6:16 am

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What Does a Luxury Home Look Like?

How does a luxury home look like? Well, if you really think about it, only you can answer this question. What you deem as desirable or luxurious may differ from that of another individual. Depending on your interests and liking for certain designs and spaces, how a luxury home should look like really lies in what you deem as comfortable and worth the indulgence. Nonetheless, there are certain general characteristics that most people would agree such houses should possess.

The house does not have to be extravagantly decorated or furnished with elaborate fixtures to be considered as luxurious. In fact, many people today have decided to go “simple” with their home decor. What most consider when they are house hunting is the spaciousness and simplicity that it offers. People love having personal space to themselves and the ability to be in control of their surroundings. Zen-like approaches are common as people wish to transform their houses into nests where they can be away from the competitiveness of this stressful world. This is why more and more people have designed their houses to contain glass fixtures amidst earthy colors like white and beige as their master themes.

You will also find that many homeowners today opt for long and wide windows that overlook their backyards or gardens, fancy kitchen designs to entertain guests and conduct mini projects, as well as walk in closets to house clothes and shoes. Thus, how luxurious your home feels or appears to be boils down to the way your house is designed and structured.

Luxury houses usually have 2 or more bedrooms with a corresponding number of bathrooms. Some have high ceilings and are tiled with marble flooring or are carpeted. More expensive property would also include gardens and garages, coupled with security services.

There are various types of luxury properties on sale today, such as condominiums, semi-detached houses, high-rise apartments, serviced apartments and private houses. All of these houses offer different things and cater to different needs. When choosing a suitable luxury home for yourself, take into consideration its location, price as well as amenities offered. Weigh the pros and cons of the properties that you have narrowed down and see which is more worthy of your investment. Do not hesitate to seek help from real estate agents and advisors, as the expertise they possess will aid in your decision making process.

Bear in mind that you do not have to be restricted to the designs of the house that you purchase. This is because re-modeling or renovating your house is always something that you could do to give your house the look you desire. As such, do not be afraid to make massive changes to its appearance. Removing walls or reconstructing entire units are common practices that take place prior to moving in to a new place.

There are many types of luxury homes today that provide the comfort and pleasure of living in one. Thus, how does a luxury home look like ultimately depends on how you design and make it out to be one.

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Posted by The Builder - April 22, 2012 at 1:55 am

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What Makes a Luxury Home? Some Things You May Want to Think About

When you think of luxury and of luxury homes in particular, you probably think about style and comfort. Of course, when homes are the subject, then the location and the size of the home are more than likely part of the picture. Even though there are some things that money cannot buy, wealth certainly can help you acquire a home which has a great deal of amenities and luxurious features like ultramodern bathrooms and kitchens.

So exactly what makes a home a luxury home? Most of us would say that a luxury home is one which is inviting, comfortable and stylish. While size does matter when it comes to homes, it is not the only thing which goes into the luxury equation – it is more about the way the home feels and how enjoyable it is to live in the space. The way that the home looks from the outside is also important; and the curb appeal of a home also includes the neighborhood where the house is located. Circular drives are especially popular, since they are convenient. Obviously, landscaping plays a part as well, with many homeowners choosing brick and stone as features for their front lawns. A great many homes also feature fountains as part of their outdoor space, particularly in gardens and patios. Fountains help create a relaxing, comfortable environment which make a home more enjoyable to live in.

One thing which always adds to the value of a home is a custom floor plan; since these homes are different than any other home on the market, a custom design makes a luxury home all the more valuable and of course, more attractive to potential buyers. Any custom design or hand craftsmanship involved in the home is certain to make it more interesting to buyers and will definitely increase the sale price of a home.

The bedrooms in luxury homes will generally be far more spacious than in other homes and they will also feature more bathroom space, which makes these homes highly desirable to buyers. Larger and more inviting studies and living rooms which include unique touches give the home a personality which is all its own. A media room is something which has become a near requirement for luxury homes; often a room will be set aside as a home theater or listening room for the family to watch television and movies or to listen to music together. Naturally, luxury homes also feature advanced security technology in order to protect the belongings of the inhabitants.

When you come down to it, what really sets luxury homes apart from other houses is the way they make you feel. There are almost as many definitions of luxury as there are people, so when you are looking for a luxury home, the only person who can make this decision is you.

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Posted by The Builder - April 21, 2012 at 9:18 pm

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