2009 PRESS RELEASES:
SARASOTA, Fl., (November 12, 2009) – Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, the luxury real estate brokerage firm, recently celebrated their first anniversary.
Judy Green, a 30-year real estate veteran, opened Signature Sotheby’s International Realty on November 3, 2008. The firm celebrated its first anniversary last week and reveled in what they’ve accomplished in the twelve short months. The company, by all accounts, has been an overnight success story.
Based on the firm’s number of associates, Signature Sotheby’s International Realty is growing at a rapid-fire pace of over 210%. But Green is clear that she has no aspirations to be the biggest real estate company, she wants to be the best. After serving as the President of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate of Florida and its 200 offices and 7,500 agents for seven years, Green notes that her opinion of the “perfect” company has changed. She notes her firm’s ability to provide more personalized service and to adapt quicker to new market realities as key competitive advantages.
“I am very proud of the way we have closed out our first year together as a team. Look how far we have come in such a short time, says Judy Green, Broker/Owner. We are excited and looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead in 2010.”
The team reminisced and socialized about the past year recently at The Ritz-Carlton among a gorgeous Sarasota sunset on the bay.
SIGNATURE SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY EXPANDS COMMERCIAL GROUP WITH HIRING OF SHELLY CROFUT, HOWARD SADWIN, AND TOM TENGERDY
SARASOTA, Fl., (Dec. 15, 2009) – Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, the luxury real estate brokerage firm, today announced that Shelly Crofut, Howard Sadwin, and Tom Tengerdy have joined the commercial group. The Crofut, Sadwin, Tengerdy Team bring extensive global corporate real estate experience.
They’re an aggressive team with over 72 years of combined experience in both commercial and residential real estate transactions that defy all odds and get deals closed. Everything from small simple deals to massively complex transactions, this team is wonderfully versatile. The team has the eloquence and solid professionalism to handle clients of any caliber. Constant communication with each client is the key to their success. This team's local knowledge of the players in the marketplace combined with the astute pulse of the local market makes this team a force. They have been touted as "deal engineers" by colleagues and others in the industry.
“The addition of Shelly, Howard and Tom is consistent with our commitment to the commercial services arena and our strategy to build a global commercial service delivery platform,” said Judie Green, Broker and Managing Partner. “They bring considerable commercial real estate experience and will play a key role in our firms combined overall growth.”
Signature Sotheby’s International Realty is located at The Plaza at Five Points, 50 Central Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34236 and in Venice at 230 S. Tamiami Trail, 34285.
SIGNATURE SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY CELEBRATES FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY
SIGNATURE SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY PARTENRS WITH THE FOUNDERS CLUB TO MARKET DEVELOPMENT
SARASOTA, Fl., (October 9, 2009) – Signature Sotheby’s International Realty has been selected to be the exclusive marketing Brokerage for The Founders Club. The Founders Club is a traditional, private, gated Golf and Social Club and community of only 262 home sites that adorn the fairways of the Signature Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed course and nature preserves.
Signature Sotheby’s International Realty has assembled a highly experienced team of professionals with a proven track record of success to handle the sales at The Founders Club. The team, directed by Cheryl Loeffler, consists of Sara Boudarga, Brian Wood and Jaci Krawtschenko. Sara and Brian have previously had extensive experience with The Founders Club as Sara started as a Community Representative with The Founders Club and subsequently moved on to join Brian Wood as sales representative for John Cannon Homes in The Founders Club. “We are thrilled to be representing The Founders Club, said Cheryl Loeffler. We’ve had a successful history of selling properties that these developers have presented to the marketplace. The developments’ merits and location are incomparable. We are here to amplify the opportunity to purchase or build homes in one of the country’s “Top 100 Club Communities” as named by LINKS and Travel & Leisure Golf magazines.”
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 10,500 sales associates located in more than 500 offices in 38 countries and territories worldwide. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the developers at The Founders Club and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. “We are excited by the opportunity to help reenergize and reposition the community. Our goals are not only to help the developers sell new homes on the available lots, but to solidify sales on existing home inventory,” said Judy Green, Broker/Owner Signature Sotheby’s International Realty. “Our brand allows us to be highly selective when partnering with developers of this stature. We’re excited to work with The Founders Club as both brands emulate a lifestyle for those with discerning taste.”
Located east of I-75 off Fruitville Road, The Founders Club was named the "Best Overall Community" in the 2008 and 2009 Sarasota/Manatee Parade of Homes. LINKS magazine has placed The Founders Club among “America’s 100 Premier Properties", in 2007, 2008 and 2009. The Founders Club is the only club community in Sarasota to be selected for this exclusive list and one of only 18 such communities in the state of Florida. It was also recently named to Travel + Leisure Golf magazine’s list of “America’s Top 100 Golf Course Communities” for 2007, 2008 and 2009, which is “an annual list of the best places to live—and live well.” The Community was named the "Best New Community" in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune's 2008 Readers' Choice Awards. Two more exceptional recognitions are from Golf Course Home Network and The Met Golfer. Golf Course Home Network—billed as “The Executive’s Guide to the Country Club Lifestyle”—selected the 14th hole of the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course as one of its “18 Residential Golf Course Dream Holes.”
The Founders Club features a limited number of Estate Home Sites. These sites range from a half-acre to over one and a quarter acre and benefit from deep golf course vistas, the privacy of verdant oak hammocks or the pristine beauty of native wetlands. In addition to the Estate Home Sites, the Fairway Collection is a limited release of exquisite Developer Home Sites, with packages starting in the $700,000s. Residents have up to three years to start construction on Developer home sites. The Golf Cottages is an intimate collection of exclusive luxury residences overlooking the lush 10th fairway of the gently sculpted signature Robert Trent Jones, Jr. golf course. These thirteen elegant, maintenance-free custom homes offer a rare golf-front living opportunity for those who seek a seasonal home or year-round residence. For more information on The Founders Club, contact Cheryl Loeffler at cheryl.loeffler@sothebysrealty.com , call 941.302.9674 or visit www.SignatureSir.com.
ABOUT THE FOUNDERS CLUB
The Founders Club is a private, traditional Golf and Social Club Community that showcases Florida's natural beauty, and fosters camaraderie among its Residents and Members. The streetscapes capture the architectural expressions and individuality of its distinguished homeowners. The lifestyle is a rich tapestry of heritage, elegance and convenience as captivating as the storied history that inspired its name. The winding entry of The Founders Club meanders peacefully through the vast 700 acres of picturesque lakes, gently swaying stands of pines, palms and mature oaks. Only 262 home sites define an intimate and exclusive setting. Traditional architectural and native landscape guidelines provide a tasteful and sustainable setting for Residents to live well. Club Members enjoy such benefits as no tee times, professional caddie program, fine and casual dining, fitness facility, massage room and golf training facility.
THIRD PROPERTY THIS YEAR SOLD ON CASEY KEY FOR SIGNATURE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
SARASOTA, Fl., (September 10, 2009) – Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, the luxury real estate brokerage firm, is pleased to announce that sales associate Charlotte Hedge and the Hedge Team recently closed a significant sale for $1.7 million. The property is located at 805 Casey Key Road, Nokomis.
This marks the third transaction this year on Casey Key for Signature Sotheby’s International Realty.
The 2300 sq ft home has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2-car garage and Gulf side pool and lanai. This home provides great Gulf and sunset views and sits on nearly of an acre on Casey Key.
“The buyers were clients who were referred to us more than three and a half years ago. I worked with them on and off over the years, wrote offers on several other homes on Casey Key and this particular Gulf front cottage had finally been reduced in price enough where they could make an offer”, says Charlotte Hedge, CRS, CIPS, TRC, Broker Associate.
Charlotte is a dedicated professional working in the Real Estate industry since 1987, and prior to moving to Sarasota 17 years ago, Charlotte was awarded New Jersey's Realtor Associate of the Year. Currently she holds the following designations of high standards in her profession...Broker Associate, Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), Transnational Relocation Certification (TRC), and Leadership Training Graduate (LTG) of the Women's Council of Realtors.
Charlotte and Team members, husband Tom, son Tom Jr., and Monica Barth, excel in all facets of real estate, including luxury waterfront condominiums and homes on barrier islands to lavish country club estates on the mainland and homes in the revitalized Sarasota downtown market.
SIGNATURE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY ASSOCIATES
SARASOTA, Fl., (September 4, 2009) – Associates of Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, the luxury real estate brokerage firm, are capitalizing on current market opportunities.
Associates are competing against fewer and fewer agents in the industry. If they are well trained, well coached and have mastered the right skills; they can do more business than ever before. “With the right plan and passion, they will find many opportunities” says Judy Green, Broker/Owner.
Green delved into her database of contacts and introduced her team to Dan Elzer of The Training Academy. In a two-day seminar, Signature Sotheby’s associates were trained on innovative ideas and approaches, they were coached and consulted. Elzer specializes in training agents in the real estate industry. He helps his clients achieve their personal and professional goals, and identify opportunities that exist in today’s market. They’re learning how to build their business, leverage their Winning Differences™ and achieve their success with certainty. “Failure is not an option”, says Elzer. “To succeed at any of this, agents are trained to make tough decisions and hold themselves and their team accountable.
Tina Biter, sales associate with Signature Sotheby’s International Realty had a vacation up north scheduled when the training was confirmed. She specifically flew back to Sarasota for the training and is so grateful that she attended. “It’s going to change my professional life significantly!” Devon Davis, sales associate, was “truly inspired and surprised at how in tune the program was in regards to today’s market and client. Dan Elzer is an invigorating and talented trainer.” Janet Bassett, sales associate said, “Dan’s explanation of techniques and overcoming objections was absolutely invaluable and I can’t wait to apply his techniques immediately!”
SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY BRAND COLLABORATES WITH FRONTGATE HOME FURNISHINGS
PARSIPPANY, N.J. (July 31, 2009) – Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced a marketing agreement with Frontgate, a leading fine home furnishings distributor, to showcase some of the unique properties represented by its more than 10,200 sales associates located in nearly 500 offices in 39 countries and territories worldwide.
The Sotheby’s International Realty brand and several of its fine listings will be featured in a series of Frontgate catalogs, beginning with the “June B” issue. This issue’s main article, written by Architectural Digest, showcases a Sotheby’s International Realty listing in Montecito, Calif., furnished by Frontgate. In addition, information on other brand listings is available throughout the catalog. Consumers are encouraged to visit the Sotheby’s International Realty microsite on the Frontgate Web site for more information on the featured home.
“Frontgate is a quality provider of home furnishings, and we are proud to showcase our firm’s extraordinary listings to their consumers,” said Wendy Purvey, senior vice president of marketing, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “This relationship provides a point of differentiation for our network, offering our brokers and sales associates another valuable way to reach potential clientele.”
Frontgate is part of Cornerstone Brands, Inc. (CBI), a family of direct marketers that ranks among this country's top ten consumer direct firms. Today, Frontgate is the recognized leader in catalog and online shopping for the home environment.
SIGNATURE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY SALES ASSOCIATES JOEL SCHEMMEL CLOSES ON HIGHEST SALE PROPERTY SOLD ON CASEY KEY SINCE 2007
SARASOTA, Fl., (July 28, 2009) – Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, the luxury real estate brokerage firm, is pleased to announce that sales associate Joel Schemmel and his team at The Schemmel Property Group recently closed a significant sale for $6.2 million. The property is located at 1538 N. Casey Key Road, Osprey.
Often referred to as one of Sarasota County’s Marquee properties, Hollywood even sought it out as the prime location for the movie “Palmetto” starring Woody Harrelson and Elisabeth Shue in 1998. The home is on well over two acres stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Intra-Coastal Waterway. The entire facade of the home as well as the interior is “fossilized coral stone” mined from a private quarry and brought to Casey Key. Stonemasons spent over three years working on the home, which includes many other custom stone carvings and features. The property includes an elaborate main home, dock/guest house, enormous patios, an incredible stone fountain/pool area and a tennis court.
“Particularly in today’s economic environment, homes of this caliber require a unique, dynamic and comprehensive marketing strategy along with the ability to consistently communicate market activity and pricing trends to both sellers and buyers”, says Schemmel. “The Sotheby’s International Realty network provided the platform to market this Estate not only locally but nationally and internationally as well.”
According to the Mid-Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service, this residence - known as “Sugar Bay Estate” – is the highest sale on Casey Key since February 2007. Schemmel and his team have closed over $15 million in volume on Casey Key since 2008 making him one of the top selling agents on Casey Key for closed transactions in 2008 – 09.
Schemmel moved swiftly in the real estate world after relocating to Sarasota from Europe in 2003 and is currently ranked among the top agents in Sarasota based on closed sales. Joel’s career also encompasses over fifteen years working with Arthur Andersen, Andersen Legal, and the Ernst & Young Law Alliance both in the USA and Europe. Joel was an International Partner within each of these organizations and immediately before returning to the USA, was managing partner of a 45-attorney law firm based in Central Europe.
As the number one producing team of Signature Sotheby’s, the Schemmel Property Group consisting of Joel Schemmel, Kathleen Ucci and Sharon Chiodi continues to surpass company goals. The individual skills and experience of each of the team members’ come together to further enhance the level of service provided to their clients. The result is instantaneous synergy and greater depth of service resulting in client satisfaction, repeat customers, ongoing referrals and sales such as this.
SIGNATURE SOTHEBY’S
SARASOTA, Fl., (July 15, 2009) – FIVE STAR: Best In Client Satisfaction, a designation awarded by independent research firm Crescendo Business Services, singled out nearly one-quarter of Signature Sotheby’s International Realty agents in their yearly survey of Sarasota homebuyers and real estate experts. Crescendo surveyed over 20,000 Sarasotans – residents as well as mortgage and title company executives – to ascertain who should be awarded the FIVE STAR designation. Respondents were asked to nominate and evaluate agents based on nine different criteria. The results were tabulated and vetted by a blue-ribbon panel of local industry experts to determine the final list. According to Crescendo, safeguards were in place to ensure that nominees were evaluated independent of company affiliations.
The Envelope Please…
The Signature Sotheby’s International Realty agents who were named cover a wide range of territory – from Lakewood Ranch to Casey Key. Their common thread is the ability to find the right home for the right customer. The agents named are Michael Albano, Judie Berger, Carol Clark, Carolyn Collins, Gary Collins, David Drewett, Charlotte Hedge, Tom Hedge, Maggie Hutter, Cheryl Loeffler, Martha Marlar, Matt Morris, Maureen Morris, Sheldon Paley, Jo Rutstein, Fernando Viteri, and Keith and Sharon Whitfield.
"Signature Sotheby’s is delighted to learn that nineteen of its sales associates in the Sarasota area are members of this elite list," says Judy Green, managing partner, Signature Sotheby’s International Realty. "Of course, we are hardly surprised; all of our associate's keep their customers’ needs foremost in their business practices. I am most pleased, however, that these associates are recognized for their exemplary talents."
SIGNATURE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY SALES ASSOCIATES TOM HEDGE JR., EARNS e-PRO DESIGNATION
SARASOTA, Fl., (July 14, 2009) – Tom Hedge, Jr. has recently received his e-PRO designation. The vision for the future of e-PRO is to create a well-trained, core group of real estate professionals who are thriving in the online-based real estate industry. The e-PRO Internet Professional belongs to a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained real estate professionals who collaborate to enjoy deeper satisfaction and greater financial rewards as the result of their e-PRO certification status.
The e-PRO certification course guides students through completing a Technology Plan of Action for their business and introduces them to many techniques for evaluating and using Internet tools. This program teaches the REALTOR about Internet business principles required to remain in the center of the real estate transaction. It is the only certification program of its kind recognized nationwide and endorsed by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (NAR).
Tom Hedge, Jr. is part of The Hedge Team at Signature Sotheby’s International Realty with a multi-million dollar growth record that mirrored the rising wave of development in Sarasota County. The Hedge Team offers the experience of husband and wife, Charlotte and Tom Hedge, their son, Tom Hedge Jr. and Monica Barth. These team members excel in all facets of real estate, including waterfront condominiums and homes on barrier islands to lavish country club estates on the mainland and homes in the revitalized Sarasota downtown market.
Tom is an Air Force veteran with a degree in business. Tom rounds out the Hedge Team with an outstanding technology background. Tom holds the Accredited Buyer Representative designation. He is also a licensed Broker Associate.
SIGNATURE SOTHEBY’S
SARASOTA, Fl., (July 9, 2009) – Roberta Tengerdy, PA, TRC, e-PRO, CLHMS, Sales Associate with Signature Sotheby’s International Realty has earned her CLHMS designation and has been awarded membership in the Million Dollar Guild as a specialist who has proven success in the million dollar and above market. CLHMS, which stands for Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, is recognized as the mark of accomplishment in luxury markets around the world and assures affluent buyers and sellers that the agents who have earned it have the knowledge, experience, competence, and confidence they require.
Members of The Institute who hold the CLHMS designation have documented performance in the TOP 10% of their markets, and have successfully demonstrated their expertise in the luxury home and estate market.
Roberta grew up in Wayzata, Minnesota, graduated from the University of Minnesota and has practiced real estate since 1995.
SIGNATURE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY LAUNCHES COMMERCIAL DIVISION
Sarasota, Fl., (July 1, 2009) – Signature Sotheby’s International Realty today announced it has expanded its luxury real estate operation with the opening of a new commercial group including Richard Bradway, Clint Conway, Carol Dahlin, Kara Kokorelis, Mike Migone, and Brian Snyder.
Of the group, Mike Migone’s experience includes both commercial and residential sales which have focused on waterfront properties, resort hotels, condominium conversions, hotel purchasing and conversions, land development, industrial sales and leasing, net lease investment properties and site selection for national retailers.
Mike Migone has been keenly focused on the commercial sector and obtained his Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation. A CCIM is a recognized expert in the disciplines of commercial and investment real estate. A CCIM is an invaluable resource to the commercial real estate owner, investor, and user, and is among an elite corps of more than 9,000 professionals who hold the CCIM designation across North America and more than 30 countries. Only 6 percent of the estimated 150,000 commercial real estate practitioners nationwide hold the CCIM designation, which reflects not only the caliber of the program, but also why it is one of the most coveted and respected designations in the industry.
Clint Conway’s first commercial transaction was the second largest sale in a decade, when he sold The Sarasota Hyatt to the Blackstone Group for $65M. Conway has also brokered multiple sales for Walgreens NNN leased investments and Dollar General NN leased investments. Brian Snyder brings to the group extensive shopping venter and retial experience in elasing, acquisition, and disposition. In addition, Brian successfully finds and negotiates short sales and bank owned residential and commercial properties.
Signature Sotheby’s International Realty opened in November 2008 when it was named as the Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s affiliate in Sarasota and is owned by Judy Green, Donna Moore and Richard Taylor, with Green serving as managing partner. The firm’s headquarters are at The Plaza at Five Points, Sarasota. The addition and launch of the commercial group brings the total number of associates at Signature Sotheby’s International Realty to just less than one hundred.
“In servicing our target market, we need to be able to provide a portfolio of real estate services. We have found that the high-end consumer purchasing or selling a significant home may also have commercial property that they are interesting in acquiring or selling. Today’s savvy consumer expects to deal with a professional”, says Green. “With the addition of these talented individuals, we can strengthen our reach throughout Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte Counties.”
Working collectively together with the commercial group at Signature Sotheby’s offers unparalleled experience and results. The new Signature Sotheby’s International Realty commercial group can be reached at (941) 364-4000.
SIGNATURE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY ASSOCIATE JOEL SCHEMMEL AND TEAM HOSE WATCH EXPERT – JUST IN TIME – A SYMPHONY OF PRESCISION, PERFECTION AND PASSION
SARASOTA, Fl., (May 1, 2009) – Signature Sotheby’s International Realty and Aaron Rich, Head of the Watch Department from Sotheby’s recently hosted a special event in conjunction with Joel Schemmel, listing agent for the property at 4136 Roberts Point Circle, Siesta Key.
The venue for the event is referred to as Casa Fiorenza, a one-of-a-kind European, inspired modern residence; more aptly described as a livable work of art. Schemmel and Rich spoke to the selected audience of the precision, perfection and passion that goes into building a home of this nature as well as to building and designing exquisite and rare watches.
A home such as this and many of Rich’s pieces require a symphony of precision, perfection and passion for every aspect in building and designing. As Schemmel and Rich addressed the selected audience, Schemmel stated, “Just like many of the fine and rare watches collected and sold at various auctions throughout the world, this home was built to impeccable standards and masterfully blended with truly unique design elements.” “Rolex states it as an obsession with perfection,” added Rich.
No detail has been left untouched from the stone entrance to the polished marble floors to the imported glass pool tiles. Extreme precision was requisite for every aspect from hand selected Zebrawood cabinetry imported from West Africa to the engineered reinforced steel and concrete structure. Lush tropical landscaping together with deep-water dockage creates the perfect venue for displaying this work of art while at the same time providing a wonderful recreational oasis.
Features of the home include: Almost 14,000 Total Bldg Sq. Ft., Chamfered Stone Entry, Custom Solid Mahogany Entry Door, Thirty Tons of Select European Marble, Structural Glass/Stone Catwalk, Cylindrical Glass Elevator, Boat Dock, Infinity Edge Pool & Spa, Fountains, Tropical Landscaping, Solid Concrete Arches & Columns, Ten Car Auto Salon, Outdoor Kitchen, Home Theater, Three Fireplaces, Icy Nene Insulation, Lutron Lighting Control System.
Virtual Tour
SIGNATURE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY PARTICIPATES IN SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY� LUXURY REAL ESTATE CONFERENCE
SARASOTA, Fl., (April 2, 2009) – Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, a luxury real estate firm based in Sarasota, Florida, recently participated in an orientation conference held for companies that have recently joined the Sotheby’s International Realty network of residential real estate brokerages.
The firm became a Sotheby’s International Realty affiliate in November, 2008 and is part of a luxury real estate network that includes more than 10,700 sales associates located in more than 500 offices in 39 countries and territories worldwide.
“This was a great opportunity to meet people and build relationships with our Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates from around the world,“ said Linda Bradway, new member of the Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Team and former co-owner of Richard Bradway and Associates.
The orientation conference was held in March and included business meetings in Short Hills, N.J., and a networking event at the Sotheby’s Auction House in New York City that featured a tour of its mid-season Contemporary Art Auction. The auction offers a varied selection of works from abstract expressionism to the present day, with works by both established and emerging artists coming from private and public collections.
This locally-based real estate firm, which has offices in Sarasota and Venice, offers exclusive Sotheby’s International Realty marketing, advertising and referral services that are designed to attract well-qualified buyers to the firm’s property listings. In addition, the firm and its clients benefit from an association with the Sotheby's Auction House, allowing the firm’s sales associates to benefit from real estate referral opportunities with auction house clientele.
As a Sotheby’s International Realty affiliate, the firm also has the unique ability to refer its real estate clientele to the auction house for appraisal services for jewelry, art, antique furniture and collectibles. All property listings from Signature Sotheby’s International Realty also are marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global Web site, as well as on the firm’s local Web site, signaturesir.com.
“Our luxury network helps connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world,” said Michael R. Good, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Our orientation program helps our network’s brokers effectively use the exclusive line of Sotheby’s International Realty products to better serve their clients’ needs.”
SIGNATURE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY ASSOCIATE CRAIG CERRETA AND ANNE WEITNTRAUB OF ICARD MERRILL HOST SEMINAR
SARASOTA, Fl., (March 24, 2009) – Craig Cerreta of Signature Sotheby’s International Realty is conducting a seminar on foreclosures and short sales for buyers and sellers looking for the best available options and the top mistakes to avoid. Craig is partnering with Anne Weintraub, who will cover the legalities of it all. Join them on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 from 5 – 6:00PM at 8470 Enterprise Circle.
This fast paced seminar covers critical aspects that every buyer or seller must know.� Topics of conversation to be covered include the anatomy of a distressed property for sale, an overview of a short sale, the window of opportunity, effective strategies, time wasters, preparation, review of short sales currently on the market as well as a broader picture into bank owned properties.
Those interested in attending will appreciate Craig’s customer-oriented approach combined with a relentless focus on client goals and a refreshing attention to detail. While he serves clients throughout the region, Craig demonstrates an exceptional depth of market knowledge in the east Manatee and Sarasota County luxury communities surrounding Lakewood Ranch and University Park. Please RSVP to Craig at Craig.Cerreta@sothebysrealty.com.
Anne Weintraub of Icard Merrill P.A. concentrates her practice in residential and commercial real estate closings and foreclosure prevention. Ms. Weintraub is well known for her direct approach in providing valuable advice. She frequently speaks to real estate brokerages, trade associations, lenders, and to the public on a wide variety of real estate topics.
SIGNATURE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY ASSOCIATES MATT AND MAUREEN MORRIS CLOSE SIGNIFICANT SALE ON SIESTA KEY
SARASOTA, Fl., (April 23, 2009) – Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, the luxury real estate brokerage firm, is pleased to announce that sales associates Matt & Maureen Morris recently closed a significant sale, totaling $2,350,000 at 850 Mangrove Point Road, Siesta Key.
According to the Sarasota MLS, this residence is the highest sales price on Siesta Key since the first of the year. Located in the exclusive Coconut Bayou and situated on Roberts Bay, this “living sculpture” was remodeled by architect Carl Abbott to showcase large expanses of glass and open living spaces.
Ralph and William Zimmerman were the original architects who built the home in 1954. Two remodels later, many of the then-avant-garde ideas were covered up and architect Abbott stripped it back to more of its original structure. The home has since been designated as a Sarasota School of Architecture property.
“The lot is set on a curve of land overlooking Siesta Key’s north bridge and is a great property, with stunning views and one of only a few bay front boat slips, and I am sure the new owners will be thrilled with their new Siesta location. This sale, and a noticeable uptick in recent activity at our other listings, bodes well for the Sarasota market,” says Matt Morris, Realtor, Signature Sotheby’s International Realty.
The property went under contract on February 19, 2009 and recently closed on April 17, 2009.
SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY BRAND HONORED BY FRANCHISE BUSINESS REVIEW
SARASOTA, Fl., (April 8, 2009)— Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, a luxury real estate firm based in Sarasota, Florida, today announced that the Sotheby’s International Realty brand won Franchise Business Review’s Best in Category for Real Estate Franchisee Satisfaction award for the second year in a row.
The Best in Category award measures franchisee satisfaction with their franchisors and is part of the 4th annual Franchisee Satisfaction Awards presented by Franchise Business Review. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC also was ranked No. 7 for all franchise categories with more than 200 locations. This is the second year the brand was rated in the top 10 of all franchise categories.
“Our goal is to provide our franchisees with the resources they need to better serve their clients and remain leaders in their markets,” said Michael R. Good, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC, “For us to receive this recognition two years in a row demonstrates that we have built a service and support platform our franchisees find valuable. I consider that a true measure of our effectiveness and success.”
Franchise Business Review surveyed franchisees from more than 400 leading systems, representing nearly 100,000 franchisees, for the 4th annual Franchisee Satisfaction Awards. Franchises were evaluated in five areas: training and support, franchise system, franchisor/franchisee relations, financial opportunity and overall satisfaction.
“With all the doom and gloom news about the economy lately, it’s great to see that the very best franchise systems are still performing well for their franchise owners,” says Eric Stites, president and chief executive officer, Franchise Business Review. “It is still a good time to buy a franchise business, assuming you choose the right one. This year’s 115 award-winners have a proven record of success and are clearly some of the top investment opportunities in the marketplace today.”
“This brand continues to offer us the support we need to expand our global reach and provide our clients with the best possible service,” said Judy Green, broker/owner. Signature Sotheby’s International Realty joined the network in 2008 with the commitment to set the ultimate standard of excellence within the luxury real estate market. “With the Sotheby’s International Realty brand behind us, we are building a solid foundation for success in the Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties.”
Franchise Business Review is a national franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction and franchise buyer experiences.� For a complete list of this year’s award winners, go to www.FBR50.com.
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 10,700 sales associates located in more than 500 offices in 39 countries and territories worldwide. Affiliations in the Sotheby’s International Realty system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.