March 22-24 at the fabulous Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Luxury Portfolio International will be hosting its annual SUMMIT for top sales associates and luxury marketing professionals. The exclusive event for Luxury Portfolio members provides insights on luxury homes, lifestyles and trends to help professionals better serve their elite clientele.

The program will feature prominent speakers including keynote speaker Robert Frank, one of the country's leading authorities on wealth and philanthropy, Dr. Jim Taylor, vice chairman of Harrison Group, who will share insights and sales opportunities for those serving the affluent, word-of-mouth marketing expert Spike Jones, as well as many of the top brokers and agents from around the world.

There’s still time for Luxury Portfolio agents and brokers to register and join us for this MEMBERS ONLY EVENT to network, learn and enjoy an elegant luxury resort. The early bird deadline is quickly approaching (February 10) - see more details and register at summit2012.luxuryportfolio.com.

Take a look at some of the latest updates and news from Luxury Portfolio International™, including website updates, informative blog posts and news from our members:

Monumental July Sales: Encouraging news this past month as two remarkable properties listed by Luxury Portfolio members sold. The Spelling Mansion in Holmby Hills, California sold to 22 year old Formula 1 heiress Petra Ecclestone. It was last listed at $150,000,000 by Hilton & Hyland. Across the country in the Georgetown area of Washington, DC, the Evermay estate – last listed at $25,900,000 by Long and Foster® Real Estate Inc. – also sold this month. And the buyer came from within the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World network too. Read more about these remarkable luxury home sales.

Find a Broker in Your Market Faster: We recently updated our Luxury Portfolio Broker search by location, making it easier to find a broker in your area – consumers can and find a Broker quickly by country, state/province, and/or city.

See Video Content on our New LPTV Channel: Video is an exceptional way to tell a story; and now neighborhood features, Luxury Portfolio member updates, LuxeTour™ property video tours and more can be seen on LuxuryPortfolio TV at LuxuryPortfolio.com/video. Also on the channel are the wonderful architectural style videos which we have partnered with HGTV’s Frontdoor.com to create. Check out more on the different architectural styles on our blog.

Secrets of Staging: One of our most popular blog posts! Read Martha Webb’s expertise on home staging in this recent post: Staging Helps Buyers Evaluate - Not Eliminate.

MEMBERS ONLY EVENTS: There’s still time for Luxury Portfolio agents and brokers to register and join us for the International Symposium in beautiful Madrid, Spain! Being held October 19-21, the symposium is a great opportunity to network, learn and enjoy an amazing city. See more details and register at symposium.LeadingRE.com.

Also be sure to save to date our 2012 Luxury Portfolio SUMMIT in Orlando – March 22-24 and the 2012 Annual LeadingRE Conference in Orlando – March 24-26. We look forward to seeing you there!

Recently we announced our upcoming International Symposium in beautiful Madrid, Spain on October 19-21.

At the event Luxury Portfolio agents and brokers (members only) have the chance to network, learn AND have fun! This is a great way to gain valuable insight into the global real estate market, strengthen your cross-border relationships, and learn about international real estate nuances and the plethora of business opportunities it presents. If you recognize our world is getting smaller and that your next buyer could be from anywhere, this is a “can’t miss” event!

Oh, and did we mention this is a great chance to experience the vibrant, sophisticated and international destination that is Madrid? History. Culture. Terrific shopping. Charming cafes. The luxury of the Westin Palace. We’ll see you there!

For details and to register, please visit symposium.LeadingRE.com.

Luxury Portfolio International™ has released a White Paper entitled “How Today’s Highly Affluent U.S. Consumer Selects Luxury Real Estate Associates and Brokerages.” The paper focuses on affluent American consumer’s wants and needs in today’s economic environment. Findings specifically show that performance and reputation are more critical than ever to earning the trust of the consumer.

In late 2010 we engaged the Harrison Group (the research company that authors the Survey of Affluence and Wealth in America) to conduct primary research on behalf of Luxury Portfolio with affluent US consumers. The purpose was to gauge their priorities, likes and dislikes related to the selection of an agent to buy or sell a $1M plus home.

Some key conclusions:  
• Reputation remains paramount
• Elegant websites are important, but equally important is 1) that websites popularity, 2) the number of luxury properties represented, and 3) a proven online presence and tracking statistics
• A top priority for today’s luxury consumers when selecting an agent is market knowledge and experience (no surprise) but also, global reach
• While the Internet is paramount, printed material is still vital for advertising purposes and must be elegant
• Magazine advertising is still considered appropriate, where the affluent and wealthy expect to find real estate tips and home design trends

The paper also identifies changes brought about by the recession and how consumers have become more fiscally responsible, but expectations have risen. For luxury real estate, this means consumers are seeking fair-priced homes that still provide superb quality of amenities and features that fit the needs and lifestyle for a family setting. They are more focused than ever on “bargains.” Luxury Portfolio continues to tap into the minds of the luxury real estate consumer and market trends through studies and reporting on the luxury market. Read the entire White Paper here.

Currently listed at $23,000,000 by Luxury Portfolio member Disher, Hamrick & Myers Residential, Inc, Sword Gate House is a Charleston luxury home without compare.

The estate has a pedigree that reaches back more than 200 years, including three decades in the 1800s when it was used as a prestigious private girls’ school, and a time in the early 1900s when the granddaughter of former president Abraham Lincoln purchased Sword Gate House for use as a seasonal residence.

The unique history of the estate and a recent restoration and reworking – which included repairing original plaster and woodwork and addition of modern amenities such as an intercom and integrated entertainment system – are detailed in a Luxury Portfolio magazine article.

Named for the grand gate that signals entrance into the estate, Sword Gate House is a truly significant property in a befitting location within Charleston’s Historic District.

On a private, gated acre in Tiburon, California, a remarkable estate recently listed by Luxury Portfolio member Frank Howard Allen Realtors combines a unique history with a rare location providing breathtaking views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Storybook home was originally built in 1937 by engineer Carr Jones using innovative techniques to create an aura of simple elegance. For the roof, slate was culled from the Sierra Nevada Mountains and bricks were salvaged from a burned San Francisco hotel, transported to Tiburon by barge. Wood rafters came from old ships, tile was locally sourced and mortar for the bricks was made with local beach sand.

In order to maintain the feel of the original estate (pictured above in the 1940s), the current owner - and niece of original owner - spent a decade planning and researching a restoration and expansion. 40 tons of slate was brought from Vermont to match the original roof, and white oak plank floors and ceiling timbers came from travels across the United States. A seamless convergence of thoughtful updates with original charm makes this a truly distinctive property.

The exceptional luxury home is currently listed at US $5,900,000.

A remarkable home listed by Luxury Portfolio member Harcourts International is set for auction this Sunday, April 10.

The auction will occur on the site of the property in Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand. Originally built in 1902, the rare Edwardian villa has been thoughtfully restored and modernized without sacrificing its period charm. Original details such as a pressed steel ceiling in the lounge create an interesting and cohesive mix with contemporary amenities including modern baths. Rising above the center of the home, a prominent viewing turret allows for 360-degree views of the privileged location near Cheltenham Beach.

Time is limited to express interest in this New Zealand villa, one of the fine international luxury homes showcased on LuxuryPortfolio.com

Luxury Portfolio member Carter Jonas recently completed very informative and thorough research of the London residential home market. The results are encouraging with an active market so far in 2011, including a noticeable increase in the sales market for homes and London luxury homes up to £3 million.

Their full release on the topic includes an in-depth area by area breakdown with astute comments from each region’s head of sales.

Although plenty of luxurious properties are available in the U.S., international homes offer unique settings, views and amenities. If the views aren’t your thing then maybe it’s the beachfront access, gymnasiums, cinema rooms or simply the locations that will pique interest. In each case, if you’re in the market for a new vacation home or permanent residence, you may want to look internationally as these properties are bound to blow you away.

If you’re looking for your own private island, it’s not out of the question with the 650 square meter estate located in Costa Smeralda, Italy. Although the property contains five bedrooms and five bathrooms, a living room, dining room and more, the interior is not the most impressive feature of this location; views from this property are comprised of white beaches, a juniper garden and the open sea. If you’re really interested in this listing, a price is available upon request.

Another beautiful luxury home available internationally is located in London, United Kingdom. The £34 million ($53.6 million) mansion features eight bedrooms over five floors. Its prime location in Mayfair and classic look make this a desirable residential location for all.

If you’re looking for more of a relaxing, beachfront location, an incredible estate located in Marbella East, Spain might be the place for you. On top of the seven bedrooms and six bathrooms, this property boasts a pool, Jacuzzi, spa, gymnasium, wine cellar, cinema room and direct access to the beach.

Although buying an extravagant home may not be for everyone, luxury properties are definitely fun to browse.

Beautiful, luxurious dream homes are available all across the country, and while searching for a new place to live may not always be the most enjoyable experience, these properties are a sight for sore eyes. Some of the newest homes on the market in 2011 are situated on the east and west coasts and are valued between $10 and $20 million.

Starting at the top, the highest valued new home listing currently on LuxuryPortfolio.com is located in Atherton, California. This lavish Tudor Estate includes six bedrooms, nine full bathrooms, two partial baths, two offices, an exercise studio, a media room and so much more. However, the 13,000 square foot property consists of more than just rooms; the grounds also include plenty of lawn space, a pool and spa and beautiful water features. This home is currently listed at $17.8 million.

Two other equally as luxurious properties available are located in Manhattan, New York. The first is the Bogardus building, at five stories high and containing 12,000 square feet of space. On top of the several bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens and dining areas, this $17.5 million listing features a 3,000 square foot penthouse that offers a roof deck with views of the river. Also new on the market is a three bedroom, five full bathroom home that was built in 1929. Aside from the usual amenities, this residence, listed at $16.5 million, offers stunning views of the Park and the skyline.

Back on the west coast, in Hunts Point, Washington, the exclusive Mediterranean Bellisima waterfront property is available at $14.1 million. The 9,675 square feet contain three bedrooms and five bathrooms, along with four fireplaces and a beautiful spiraling staircase.

Even if you’re not in the market for a new home today, you may be inspired by these extraordinary properties for something in the future. If these aren’t enough, look around for your ideal mansion for sale via our property search.