It was only a matter of time before a Buyer might recognize just how spectacular “Villa Positano” was.  Sitting in the quiet and private cul-de-sac of the “Grand Estates” section of PGCC, the 10,000+ square foot home has one of the prettiest views imaginable overlooking pool, golf, scenic bridge and lake. Everything about the home was carefully thought out and ultimately, it attracted the likes of an astute Buyer.

“The truth of the matter was that there were multiple bidders and someone had to win.  Landmark Custom Homes has been building quality homes in South Florida for decades, and with this sale, makes a dramatic segueway into Parkland Golf & Country Club’s luxury community.  Of course there were challenges, but that has been an understatement in the world of real estate.  At the end of the day, this will be the catalyst for even more extravagant homes to be built within the subdivision.  Although (laughs), none will ever replicate this stunning view.  The old mantra LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION couldn’t ring truer.”

Jason A. Kapit, Esq. is an agent with EWM Christies International and has single-handedly sold 3 of the 6 most expensive properties in Parkland, FL in 2011.  For more information about how he can assist you in the sale of your luxury home, contact him at 954.650.4443 or via email.

You Can’t Argue With Solid Numbers

These numbers are very telling about our market share in the luxury residential space of South Florida’s real estate market.  Our ability to reach buyers WORLDWIDE through ingenious online and print media marketing has propelled us to the top of the list.  We are the most sought after real estate firm to assist luxury homeowners in the marketing, negotiation and ultimate sale of their residences.

For more information on how I can help, please contact me directly at 954.650.4443 or via email.

International Exposure Is Key

When selling ultra-luxury homes, the key is REACH.  Marketing to local buyers is just a small part of complete marketing.  The local buyer represents an extremely small percentage of Qualified Buyers.  Think of all the real Buyers “out there” that may want to buy your home!  Do you think publishing your home in a local newspaper or magazine will get their attention?  Of course not.  Luxury homes are investment-class, hard assets.  They are in demand, especially as an inflation hedge or currency play.  Don’t miss out on an opportunity to sell your home.

Mayfair International is just one of my tools for global reach.  I have many powerful tools that are extremely helpful when showcasing luxury properties to the world.  South Florida homes attract a worldwide audience.  Make sure your home gets the attention it deserves!

To learn more, contact Jason A. Kapit, Esq. directly at 954-650-4443 or Request an “Online Presentation” here.

Easy Energy-Saving Ideas for Spring

Spring is finally upon us, which means things will be heating up in no time…including your electric bill.

In today’s economy, it’s important to reduce expenses wherever possible, especially those costs related to your home. As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, have seen how seemingly small steps in home maintenance can yield big results in terms of savings. Whenever working with clients, therefore, we make sure to point out the various ways they can save energy. Not only is it good for the environment, it’s good for your household budget as well.

Here are some great energy-saving ideas to look at this spring:

Start at the top

Now is the perfect time to make sure your roof has adequate ventilation. As the weather gets increasingly warmer, heat builds up in your attic and good ventilation is critical to cutting cooling costs and protecting your shingles, as well.

Check your cooling system

An annual inspection is key to keeping your air conditioning system at peak performance. Early spring is the best time to call a local contractor to schedule a check-up. Make sure air conditioning units are free of obstructions inside and out. When embarking on spring clean up, be sure to trim bushes, and clear leaves and other debris away from your outdoor condenser.

Landscaping plays a part

Plant trees on the south and west side of your house to provide cooling shade.

These are just some of the ways to help reduce energy costs and also protect one of your greatest investments…your home. Please e-mail our team for more home ideas and be sure to pass this information on to your fellow homeowners as well.

Top 5 Tips for Tackling Home Improvement Projects

In the do-it-yourself age we live in, many homeowners are ready and willing to take on home-improvement projects themselves. But while you may be ready and willing, the real question is, are you really “able?”

I, along with my team, have access to many great home-improvement resources thanks to being part of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®. The following advice comes from HGTV’s Carter Oosterhouse. Heed these suggestions before you embark on your next project:

Focus on projects that will pay you back

For example, if you’re dealing with hot or cold weather, try to lower heating and cooling bills by properly sealing your home. Look for drafts around windows, doors, and vents,and then use caulk or weather stripping to seal them. It may not be glamorous, but it will pay you back down the road.

Know where to start

If you have never taken on a major project, start with spaces such as the living room, spare bedroom, or the garage — rooms that won’t limit your ability to function, says Oosterhouse.

Closet reorganization

Many times, people have maxed out their closet and have no more room to add, let alone organize. That’s when it’s time to evaluate. Donate clothes you no longer wear to a charity, store seasonal attire in a separate location, and separate his from hers.

Break down a big project

Planning is essential. As Oosterhouse says, if you think you can just start up any big job without a plan, then you are in for a world of frustration. Know your capabilities and limitations.

Know where the biggest ROI is

The improvements that will most add to the value of your home include, the kitchen, the master bedroom and bathroom. These can boost your resale value and attract buyers who want a space that’s move-in ready.

These are just some of many great suggestions for tackling home improvement projects. Feel free to contact our team for more ideas and please forward this email on to your fellow DIY-ers!

Going into its sixth year of the real estate market downturn, it would seem that neighborhood after neighborhood would be severely impacted beyond repair.  Not so for Southwest Ranches’ Landmark Ranch Estates.  The 44-lot enclave which caters to the super wealthy apparently didn’t get the memo as the last remaining home just sold. Now, just 20 lots remain. Some have already been purchased for future homes.  Others are available and just waiting to showcase the next grandiose estate.

What’s the allure?

Pretty simple.  Provide a down home feel with sizable lots (all 44 are at least 2 acres), throw in custom built palatial estates and then provide the only security gated subdivision in all of Southwest Ranches, FL and the recipe is complete.

The Last Few Sales Have Solidified Values

Over the past few months two sales in particular have essentially dictated that $350 (and higher) per under air square foot values are alive and well.  16710 Stratford Court sold for $4,150,000 and just weeks ago, 16750 Stratford Court sold for $3,400,000.  These properties, both majestic in their own right, commanded top dollar and there was serious interest on both properties for months on end.  I had the opportunity as the listing agent to be part of it and I can tell you firsthand that there were constant showings and that all Buyers were completely qualified to buy these homes.

Marketing & Reach are The Keys To Success

So how does one sell a multi-million dollar property?  I can tell you this – the MLS isn’t the answer.  Marketing & Reach is essentially the new protocol, more specifically, my protocol, for selling homes.  The majority of agents do little if any marketing.  If there is a marketing plan, it is usually one out of obligation to the seller and never carefully thought out.  Such a marketing plan is usually locally based and exclusively print-media by way of postcards or magazine.  This type of marketing is glitz and no substance.  Sure, it may garner some interest from a neighbor, but the plan fails at every level as it doesn’t scratch the surface of serious marketing and provides virtually no reach.  How do you reach across the pond to Europe, South America and our other neighbors with local advertising?  Answer:  You don’t.

Across The Board Availability

Successful marketing begins ONLINE, where visual and content-rich media finds anyone and everyone interested in the subject matter.  People who know what they want know how to find it.  They start online with very specific searches and believe me, they find me.  I offer an abundant amount of information online starting with the properties currently offered for sale, information about myself (my background, experience, education and affiliations) and other content that may be of interest to a would be Buyer, Seller or Investor.

My Detailed Listing Presentation ONLINE

The best thing about selling Real Estate is the constant technological revolution that is taking place within our industry.  There is so much to offer a client and so many ways to get things done more efficiently, mindful of the fact the people are busy living their lives.  So how does Jason A. Kapit, Esq. relay exactly what he can do via email?  Through our ONLINE Listing Presentation.  It is packed with all the information specific to the home you are interested in selling.  Is it the touchy, feely, face-to-face, meet at your home presentation?  No.  And I am certainly not one to downplay the importance of old school meet and greets but it is, in fact, a great way to provide prospective clients with a wealth of information to let them decide, beforehand, if we should move forward.  No pressure, just information YOU NEED to make informed decisions.

If you own a luxury property that you may consider offering for sale, call (954.650.4443) or email me.  Listing a million dollar+ property is not something you should do on a whim.  Chances of it selling to your neighbor are slim at best.  Sure, there are locals who will show interest but the name of this game is “reach”, that is, how far and to how many QUALIFIED buyers can we showcase your property?  Available anytime to talk.

Often times situations present themselves and in this particular case, it will prove to be a win-win for both Buyer and the Windmill Ranch Estates subdivision.

2750 Hackney Road

The property is located on a wonderful street in Windmill Ranch Estates on a spacious 1 1/2 acre lakefront lot.  The existing home will be leveled to make way for a new estate.

Great News

The impulsive response would suggest that this real estate transaction would serve to lower the already depressed pricing in the luxury home market.  But in actuality, the opposite is true.  The purpose of this purchase was i n fact to take advantage of a distressed situation but the ultimate effect will be a boon to the community.  The new owners will ultimately ADD value to the this exclusive neighborhood when a new  home is constructed.

If you are looking for great buying opportunities in South Florida’s residential real estate market, contact me and we discuss a specific plan of action.

South Florida boast the trendiest, poshest neighborhoods on the planet.  But for those that like the best without all the fanfare, the traffic and the publicity, Landmark Ranch Estates is a rare find.

For the privileged few, homes of unmatched craftsmanship can be built from established models or from the ground up utilizing a bevy of architects, interior designers and a host of home-building professionals.

I have had a working relationship with the principles of Landmark Ranch Estates and they are consummate professionals who deliver a phenomenal product.

A Who’s Who List Lining the Streets

Never one to name drop, but when just about every person in the neighborhood boast some claim to fame, it does speak volumes about where those that have the means choose to call home.  The neighborhood’s most recent sale was to none other than Reggie Wayne, wide receiver for the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning’s go-to-guy.  The “king” of NFL receivers bought a 17,000 square foot masterpiece, dubbed “The Castle”.  At a cool $4.9 million, it may seem like a lot, but Reggie proved just as cool off the field as on making quite a deal, amounting to approximately $350 per sq. ft under air.  Considering, prices were in upwards of $500 per sq. ft., the purchase price was extremely fair and illustrates that while luxury homes are selling, they are not immune to market downdrafts.

Professionals At the Top of Their Respective Games

But Landmark Ranch Estates caters to more than just pro athletes.  It draws attention from those spanning all industries including Banking, Insurance, Medical, Auto, Retail, just to name a few.  The common bond between residences seem to be those who strive to be the best at in their respective employ and want to enjoy the fruits of their labor amidst a beautiful setting in Southwest Ranches, FL.

There’s A Lot To Like About The Lots

While Landmark Ranch Estates only build 1 or 2 homes at any one time, they do offer lots for sale as well.  Lots range in size from 2.5 to 5 acres and sell for $1 million and up.  Currently some lot owners who have decided not to be build (for whatever reason) have to decided to list these lots for sale as well and some are currently listed below $1 million.  A few years back, Asante Samuel bought a 5-acre cul-de-sac lot for a pretty penny.  He recently contracted Hart Homes to build what may turn out to be the biggest home in landmark Ranch Estates.  Currently underway, the home is expected to be more than 25,000 square feet.

The Privacy Factor

While you would expect the ultimate in privacy, the residents are resigned to the country lifestyle era long gone in most newer communities.  For the past 5 years there has never been a gate nor a guard to keep evil-doers out.  However, recently, the homeowners finally decided to install an entrance gate, in hopes to keep oglers away and keep their streets quiet and peaceful.  So in actuality, Landmark Ranch Estates’ home owners will have double protection as every home boasts its own master gates.

Jason Kapit’s Personal Landmark Tour

As stated above, I am very familiar with Landmark Ranch Estates.  I have represented the principles and I currently represent homeowners and landowners offering their respective properties for sale.  Please contact me anytime to discuss plans for this area.  My team stands ready and able and we are happy to assist any way that we can.  For more information please call me direct at 954-650-4443 or contact me via email.

Well there was drama, but at the end of the day, the tax credit for home buyers will be extended to September 30th.

Great News For Local Markets

Now, areas where the EWM Guys list and sell homes will once again create a sense of urgency and facilitate more transaction that might normally be realized.

Broward County To Stay Hot

Areas like Weston, Davie, Southwest Ranches, Plantation, Southwest Ranches, Sunshine Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, Hallandale, Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale will all benefit from this news.  The market is beat up but sales have been brisk and the uptick in activity is a positive for the industry!

For more updates bookmark us or feel free to add a comment.  The EWM Guys would love to hear from you!