Jason A. Kapit, Esq. never rests.  Always tweaking the model, always building on success and continuously striving to better the team’s ability to serve our most precious commodity, our clients!  To that end, we welcome Jen Keller.  Born in Miami, raised in North Miami Beach and Miami Beach, Jen is a South Florida native through and through.  She is married to Jonathan, a prominent Workers Comp attorney, for 15 years and has 3 children. They currently reside in Weston, FL where they are very active in the community and charity organizations.

Education

Jen is a graduate of the University of Maryland (Go Terps!) with degrees in Health Science and Psychology.

Work Experience and How It Relates To You

Jen worked at Mt. Sinai hospital for 10 years as the Infertility Program Coordinator. She has helped hundreds of couples become proud parents! Following her career, she worked in Event Planning for a large corporation handling special events for high-profile clients.  She has planned events for celebrities gracing every cover.  How are the two jobs related and more importantly, how can her experience help you? Quite simply, Jen has a keen ability to help people during their most important moments, parenthood, wedding, etc.  She understands the importance of communication, detail and most importantly RESULTS.  This was such a natural fit, it was only a matter of time before this collaboration ensued.

Focus and Concentration in Real Estate

Through Jen’s social network and myriad of contacts, she will focus exclusively in the luxury home segment of Parkland and Weston’s premier communities. When asked about the latest addition to his team, Kapit commented, “I have no doubt she will quickly become a force in Broward County’s residential real estate market.  Look at her resume … years of dealing with high end clientele, serious attention to detail, amazing confidence and a keen ability to always make people feel comfortable at their most vulnerable.  Its a recipe for success, especially in this industry.”

The Team Approach

Jen is part of Jason Kapit’s Team (RealEstateOnTap) at EWM Christies International, operating East & West with offices in Las Olas and Weston Town Center.  He concentrates his efforts on high-end residential properties and luxury communities.  “We have been able to establish an extraordinary resume marketing luxury real estate.  The Team combines experience and knowledge of the South Florida market, selling over $30,000,000 in 2011 and representing 5 of the 9 highest sales throughout Cooper City, Parkland and Southwest Ranches, FL.”

Visit us at www.realestateontap.com and bookmark our site.  You may not be ready to buy or sell now, but we are here when you need us!

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.

Life of A Realtor In 2011

Is it enough to simply list properties for sale on the MLS and hope they sell?  If that’s a strategy, pack up and go home now.  Selling luxury real estate requires 3 things:

Smarts, Aggressive Marketing and Networking

Smarts is self explanatory.  If you have a luxury property to sell, hire an agent that actually knows something.  Hiring a friend or doing someone a favor is almost sure disaster and usually adds to the tension.  For a short bio on yours truly, click here.

Aggressive Marketing

The Internet is the starting point for ALL real estate searches.  It’s the most navigable, complete list of “what’s out there” and you don’t have to talk to a soul until YOU ARE READY.  My marketing is ONLINE, GLOBAL and quite honestly, cutting edge.  Simply put, you don’t post record sales without it.  Luxury buyers come from all over the world.  Trust me when I tell you that they didn’t find my listing from scouring through the local MLS.  I work closely with Christie’s International and Mayfair to insure that my properties get the proper exposure, that is, making sure that my homes are “front and center” for those with the means to buy.

Networking

Consistent working within your local network is never enough. There is something to be said for “getting out of your comfort zone” and increasing the strength of your professional network.  It is that sphere of influence which successfully transacts high-end business.  The Northeast has always made for a steady stream of wealthy investors looking for spectacular properties in South Florida. Heading to East Hampton, NY for Memorial Day Weekend will be a much needed break but also comes with a tremendous opportunity to create new and lasting business relationships that can prove very fruitful for years to come.  Nothing replaces personal contact.  Emails will never fully convey the story.  And while a phone call might be a bit more personal than an email, being out there and meeting new people, creating workable synergies, is ALWAYS best.

I wish everyone a very happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend.

CPSC and HUD Issue Updated Remediation Protocol for Homes with Problem Drywall

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are issuing an updated remediation protocol (pdf) for homes with problem drywall. A study (pdf) conducted on behalf of CPSC by Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico, finds no evidence of a safety hazard to home electrical systems. Sandia simulated long-term exposure of wiring and other electrical components to hydrogen sulfide gas, which is associated with problem drywall.

Based on this study, CPSC and HUD staff, representing the Interagency Task Force on Problem Drywall, are no longer recommending the removal of all electrical wiring in homes with problem drywall. This change in the government’s protocol may reduce the cost of remediation for many homes.

After simulating more than 40 years of corrosive conditions that could exist in problem drywall homes, Sandia staff did not observe any acute or long-term electrical safety events, such as smoking or fire. Corrosion and blackening of the exposed electrical components did occur and was observed to be consistent with the characteristic corrosion reported to CPSC by thousands of consumers. Based on this study, it is the belief of the staffs of CPSC, HUD and Sandia that long-term exposure of wiring and other electrical components to hydrogen sulfide gases does not indicate a safety hazard to a home’s electrical systems.

With these changes, the remediation guidance for homes with problem drywall calls for the replacement of all:

• problem drywall;
• fire safety alarm devices, including smoke and carbon monoxide alarms;
• electrical distribution components, including receptacles, switches and circuit breakers; and
• gas service piping and fire suppression sprinkler systems.

CPSC and HUD staffs are also issuing an updated identification guidance (pdf), which broadens the range of installation years of affected homes to include homes where drywall was installed as late as 2009. Importantly, the drywall installed in 2009 had been previously imported during the years 2006-2007 and does not represent any new importation of problem drywall.

The staffs of CPSC and HUD believe that following the updated identification and remediation protocols (pdf) will enable homeowners to correctly identify homes containing problem drywall and comprehensively remediate those homes to address any potential health and safety issues associated with the problem drywall.

CPSC is in the final stages of completing its scientific investigation into problem drywall. For additional findings from the Interagency Drywall Task Force’s investigation, visit www.DrywallResponse.gov

—The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov

HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov

Jason A. Kapit, Esq. acts as listing agent for many home seller’s trying to sell property with defective drywall.  This new protocol will markedly improve the value of these homes as remediation costs lessen.  Proper protocol will be far less invasive and the result will be an uptrend in these particular home values (whose prices have dwindled to unprecedented levels).  If you have any questions about buying or selling these types of homes, please contact us here.

$3.4 Million Dollar Sale Garners Interest From DBR

Maybe 2011 has something a bit better to offer the real estate world.  The last five years have been painful, but if the latest sales and activity are any indication, things are looking up.

In talking with local attorneys and the press Kapit commented, “The bottom line is this:  Home values are dismally low, there is plenty of cash on the sidelines – when you get in a situation where the banks are offering virtually nothing on your money and you consider where the stock market has risen to (a bit toppy for sure), there aren’t a whole lot of places to put money to work.  This leaves real estate acquisitions as a very viable part of the investment portfolio.  And for a lot of people, the time to dip your toes into the water is now.”

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.

ICON BRICKELL, The Luxurious Condominium Master Piece by Philippe Starck now offers great opportunity to buyers. Both Tower I and Tower II are Fannie Mae approved.

- US clientele now has the opportunity to buy with conventional financing up to 80% & up to 95% for well-qualified buyers.

David Betancourt and his team would be glad to assist you with any information regarding this project or any other project in Downtown Miami & Brickell. To arrange a private showing or for information about how we can find you the best deals in Miami-Dade. please contact us anytime.

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.

Jason A. Kapit, Esq. does it again.

As a quick start to 2011, this magnificent home in Southwest Ranches’ Landmark Ranch Estates sold in just 3 months!

Closing Date 1-13-11 / Selling Price $3.4 million

Selling a multi-million dollar home requires innovative marketing.  Jason Kapit and his team provide an array of marketing for each and every home they sell with particular focus ONLINE, where all home searches begin.

If you are considering a sale of your home and are looking for the best in representation and marketing, please call me.  We offer the very best in service, competence, organization and most importantly, results!

We look forward to hearing from you,

(Check out the letter sent to all PG&CC homeowners and club members.  This is phenomenal and welcome news and is certain to have an immediate impact on home values, golf equity values and an overall sense of home ownership throughout the community).

Meet and Greet with
Toll Brothers

You are Cordially Invited to a Meet and Greet for Residents and Members of Parkland Golf & Country Club

They are scheduled as follows in the Capelona Ballroom:

Monday, November 29th
6:30 - 8:30 PM

Tuesday, November 30th
7:00 – 9:00 AM &
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Light refreshments will be available. This is an excellent opportunity for you to meet key representatives of the Toll Homebuilding and Toll Country Club and Golf Division in an informal one on one setting and share any, and all ideas or thoughts you may have on the club and your community. Select a time that meets your schedule and come by for a few minutes.

Please note that plans for the development of the community have not been finalized. Accordingly, these Meet and Greets will not include any formal presentation. We will be continually communicating with all Residents and Members as we solidify and implement the club and community plans.

We hope to meet you soon,

Best regards,

David Richey
President
Toll Golf and Country Club Division
www.tollgolf.com
drichey@tollbrothersinc.com

IMPORTANT NOTICE – Beginning Friday November 19th, all club e-mails will be coming from the tollbrothersinc.com domain. Please be sure your e-mail server recognizes this address as safe mail.