Since the launch of the Luxury Portfolio blog contest, we have received some wonderful comments, including excellent insights, valuable tips and interesting feedback.

Today marks the start of Round Five, so comment today!

We are very excited about our sponsor for this round: Vignette Wine Country Soda! Vignette Wine Country Soda is an all-natural, lightly carbonated soda. This beverage gives you the chance to experience wine country via distinct flavor profiles of top varietal grapes without the alcohol. It is a great way to incorporate purple into an elegant five-course meal or a casual lunch.

The winner of Round Five will receive a 12-pack of each variety (Chardonnay - light with subtle fruit, Pinot Noir - bright with berries, and the new Rosé - pink and delicious.) as the prize.

The contest rules are just as simple as ever: We are rewarding those who write the most insightful and interesting comments to existing blog posts. It is that easy...

1. Read through some of the blog posts.

2. Select a post that you are interested in or have knowledge/experience in.

3. Type in your information, your thoughts, and comment...that's it!


We look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Big, bold photography distinguishes the recently revamped homepage of the award-winning LuxuryPortfolio.com. A more intuitive map search and several search options make it easy to find “your” luxury home. Direct links to the LuxeTrends® newsletter, Luxury Portfolio blog, Facebook page, Twitter feed and YouTube channel help you stay current on all things luxury.

And what if you’re on the move? Luxury Portfolio has you covered with the mobile version of our site. From your handheld wireless device you are able to perform a targeted luxury home search, view home details and multiple photos, as well as send inquiries. Check it out at www.LuxuryPortfolio.com/Mobile.

In the video below, Bill Raveis, President & CEO of Luxury Portfolio member William Raveis Real Estate, shares some insight on purchasing a home in a recession and compares the current marketplace with past declines.

Taken from the William Raveis blog, where several recent posts utilize video to great effect.

Since the launch of the Luxury Portfolio blog contest, we have received some wonderful comments, including excellent insights, valulable tips and interesting feedback. Today marks the start of Round Four, so comment today!

The Prize:
In addition to being a world-renowned chef and restaurateur, David Burke also is the creator of Gourmet Pops — delightful desserts that are a play on the nostalgic lollipop, but so much more!

Satisfying both the savory and the sweet — from goat cheese pops (a mix of creamy mascarpone and sundried tomatoes coated in toasted almonds and pistachios) to cheesecake pops (cheesecake dipped in chocolate and covered with such toppings as toffee and peanut butter pieces)  — these hors d’oeuvres make a wonderful gift and serve as the perfect amuse for entertaining.

Our Round 4 winner will receive a sampling of these heavenly delicacies!

The Details:
We are rewarding those who write the most insightful and interesting comments to existing blog posts. It is that easy...

1. Read through some of the blog posts.

2. Select a post that you are interested in or have knowledge/experience in.

3. Type in your information, your thoughts, and comment...that's it!

Luxury Portfolio member Halstead Property, LLC launched their Value Factor Program four months ago and it has been a huge success.

Similar to the Michael Saunders & Company Best Opportunities program focusing on the Sarasota, Florida market blogged about earlier this year, Halstead’s Value Factor puts a spotlight on properties that offer the best value in today’s New York City area market. Their definition of “value” considers many factors beyond price, including location, building, condition, and size of the property. To keep the program inventory fresh, properties remain in the Value Factor for only 45 days. The strategy has worked, as 49-percent of Value Factor properties have closed or are in contract.

There is no doubt today’s luxury home buyer is seeking value, and smartly implemented programs such as these aid greatly in that search. Luxury Portfolio has also made it easier for consumers to find value properties on LuxuryPortfolio.com with a new feature allowing them to search specifically for listings that have had price reductions. On the site, luxury home seekers are able to see the dollar amount and percentage change in price since a property was first listed. Search the current price reductions on Luxury Portfolio.

Read more about the Value Factor Program and see the current listings.

Green entertaining is becoming the norm among elite hosts. Utilizing sustainable standards can delight guests, while also contributing to the good of the planet.

It all starts with the invites. Checkerboard, a family owned company whose clients have included Bill Gates and Bob Hope, creates invitations of unrivaled artistry and design that are also sensitive to our environment. From summer parties to winter celebrations, the company offers an array of colors and styles that help set the perfect tone for your get-together.

This product and write-up were featured in a recent issue of Luxury Portfolio’s LuxeTrends® newsletter that focused on eco-friendly entertaining. LuxeTrends® is a monthly eNewsletter that covers luxury real estate trends, home design, luxury gifts and more. The current issue, posted today, identifies a new “it” color utilized in luxury design. View and subscribe to the newsletter here.

Frank Howard Allen Realtors, a Luxury Portfolio member serving California’s North Bay communities, has devised an interesting way to promote groups of fine listings on their Facebook page. Each week Frank Howard Allen presents a “trilogy” – three properties that tie into a specific theme. The most recent trilogy, posted yesterday and titled “Lodge Style,” displays three mountain-lodge inspired homes. Previous trilogies have included Vineyard Properties, Vintage Charmers and Innovative Designs. This is a great idea to attract a buyer looking for a particular type of property.

See the Frank Howard Allen Realtors Facebook page for more. You can also follow Luxury Portfolio for updates on Luxury Portfolio Fine Property Collection, luxury homes and luxury news.

Lush is a brand synonymous with creating handmade, innovative products from the freshest organic ingredients available. In addition, Lush has been committed to protecting our environment through responsible packaging and green catalogs. Their extensive product line includes hair, skin, bath and face items that not only smell intoxicating, but are specifically created to invigorate the mind and sooth the body.

Lush is sponsoring Round 3 of the Luxury Portfolio Blog Contest, and the winner will be awarded with a sampling of their coveted bath products – suitable for men and women.

Here is how the giveaway works: we are rewarding those who write the most insightful and interesting comments to existing blog posts. It is that easy...

1. Read through some of the blog posts.

2. Select a post that you are interested in or have knowledge/experience in.

3. Type in your information, your thoughts, and comment...that's it!

The contest is ongoing, with a new giveaway monthly.

Round 3 of the contest starts today and runs through September 25!

We would like to congratulate our Round 2 winner Annie Becker of Lila Delman Real Estate. Thank you Annie for your insightful comments on the Luxury Portfolio blog!  Annie will receive a delectable sampling of Sucre Macaroons.

Details for Round 3 of the contest will be announced in the near future, so stay tuned! Thank you to all of those who participated!

In an effort to continue to provide clients with every opportunity available to buy or sell their mountain home, Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate, the leader in Vail Valley, Colorado real estate, has introduced an Auction Division. Having gained significant popularity in the past several years, the option of buying and selling a home through the auction process, including luxury home auctions, can be of great benefit to both sellers and buyers of luxury homes.

Slifer Smith & Frampton’s new division allows sellers to know the date their property is expected to sell, with a specific closing date and no contingencies from auction day to closing. Buyers are provided an opportunity to compete fairly and on the same terms as all other buyers, with the knowledge that the seller is prepared to sell the day of the auction.

The first auction of this new endeavor is taking place in Vail, Colorado on August 26. Two properties will be offered, and the winning bidder will have their choice of the two new construction luxury residences. Each home was previously listed at $2,799,000 and the auction is subject to a minimum bid of $1,600,000. Visit VailRealEstateAuctions.com for further details.