Real Estate Agent

A Denver real estate agent specializes in relocation to the Denver Metro area Denver Real Estate Directory Relocation buyers need extra help, learning about the area, schools, drive times and finding the best neighborhood to suit your lifestyle isn't easy. I can assist you with a relocation package tailored to your needs. [ Click Here for More ] Personalize your search and have results delivered to your inbox daily. This HomeFinder service is the most popular of all. [ Click Here for More ] The home buying process is easy when you know the answers; learn how to finance your home, how much it will cost and more. [ Click Here for More ] Select featured homes offering a virtual tour, so you can enjoy a tour from the comforts of your home anytime, day or night. [ Click Here for More ] search Denver Real Estate Site Are you considering a move and want to purchase a new home? Are you wondering about the suburbs of Denver and what they look like? Do you have questions about the city and the suburbs? Are you currently just shopping for information about Denver homes? You have found the right spot! Gathering information is going to be easy now. You will find the answers to your questions here. OFFERING MANY CHOICES OF DENVER HOMES The metro area has an abundance of neighborhoods that might fit your needs. I pride myself in being able to discuss these areas with you. It's important to look at all the possibilities when relocating to a new area and I can help you do just that. Here are some of the areas in the Denver Metro area to consider: OBTAIN NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION - CLICK ON THE CITY OF YOUR CHOICE... Arvada Denver Littleton Aurora Denver Tech Center Lodo Brighton Erie Louisville Broomfield Evergreen Lone Tree Castle Rock Greenwood Village Morrison Centennial Golden Northglenn Cherry Hills Highlands Ranch Parker Conifer Ken Caryl Thornton Commerce City Lafayette Westminster Lakewood Research demographics , follow links to gain visual perspective, driving times to popular Denver area locations, taxation in Colorado , links to school accountability reports , private schools , higher education in Denver, American Dream Downpayment Program and other facts helpful to a inquiring Denver relocation prospect. DENVER HOME SALES STATISTICS The Berkshire Group follows the real estate market trends in the Denver metro area. We publish the current market trends in the Denver Real Estate Update and Denver Sales Statistics . Click on the link to review the latest information about Denver home values, Denver's average days on market, list to sale ratios, etc. Denver relocation services are not exclusive to out of state (or country) home buyers. If you are relocating from an area of the city to another, you are welcomed and encouraged to use my services. As a relocation specialist I know how important it is to be able to learn about all the areas that might fit your needs. I have made it my business to compile as complete a website as possible, offering you information that you want...now! If you have additional questions please feel free to contact me either by telephone or e-mail. I promise I will answer your questions honestly and promptly and without pressure. Selling homes in and around Denver is my specialty...how may I help you? HOME BUYING DIRECTORY Buyer Broker Down Payment How to Qualify for a Mortgage Loan Application Locking in Interest Rate Earnest Money Loan Application Checklist Fico Scores Moving List Moving Pets What is PMI? Finance Glossary Financing Your Home Reverse Mortage Home Buying Process Closing Costs © Homes for sale... Beautiful Executive Home In Greenwood Village $579,900 All Execellent Cherry Creek Schools! Curved Stairway and French Doors to mainfloor Den. 5 Bedrooms, 5 Baths, Fully finished walkout basement. Click Here for more info Property Brochure Available Here. Castle Rock Home in the Villages $220,000 Newly redone with fresh paint and new carpet, this lovely Richmond two story has a great custom deck. Located in an established neighborhood you will love the price. Why wait for new? Call Kristal Kraft at 800-319-7739. Property brochure available online. Beautiful Historic Building! True, authentic Loft! Denver Loft Property brochure available here. Enjoy living in a Denver landmark in downtown Denver! (MLS #265755 Visual Tour #57003) Where? At the Denver Dry Lofts, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 22 foot ceilings, hardwood floor, timber beams, lots of vertical interest. HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! $239,900! Additionally the seller is offering incentives to the buyer...$5,000 worth! For more information, call your broker or call Larry McGee at 303-513-1436 View the visual tour of The Denver Dry Loft here. Looking for Lofty Living? (Tour #58151 MLS #268538) $319,000 Wow! Historic, Authentic loft completely renovated in 2005 with easy access to Lodo, Coors Field, restaurants and coffee shops. Light & bright end unit with plenty of space. Huge kitchen island with slab granite, Italian cabinets, lots of exposed brick & wood beemas, sealed concrete floors, large full bath, oversized tub, high ceilings, 2 storage units and plenty of room for your workspace. To see it, Call your agent or call Susie Farrar 303-350-5838 Brochure on Walnut Street Loft Take a virtual tour of the Walnut Loft Bank Owned, Bring Offer! (Tour # 434459 MLS #266663) Boulder County Townhome w/Contemporary Styling, fully finished basement, 3 bedrooms plus a loft, fireplace, 2 car garage. Backs to a huge open space. Priced to sell at $282,900. For more information call your Realtor or call Kristal Kraft at 303-589-2022 Take the Virtual Tour here. Attractive townhome with a courtyard (Tour #430692, MLS #264811) The beautiful open floor plan in this townhome with large rooms is all updated and ready for you to move in. This end unit with a main level entry faces a greenbelt. You will enjoy your private patio with additional storage, and easy access to highways, restaurants, and shopping. Call Susie to see it today! 303-868-8399 Preview this Hallcraft Townhome in Aurora, Colorado Cute Contemporary Home for sale at Sloan's Lake (Tour #64076 MLS #262198 ) You will love this home and location, 1864 sq. ft. 3 bedroom 2 bath home within walking distance to Highland Square. For more information call Laurie Reed 303-906-9172 Preview the home on visual tour Property brochure 4521 W. Hayward Place, Denver, CO 80212 Having a hard time finding a tour? Some computers will block "pop ups" preventing your computer from connecting to the tour. If this happens, hold down the "Ctrl" key and click the link. Or you can locate a Visual Tour by inputting the Tour # in the box below. FOR REALTORS ONLY - CAREER OPPORTUNITY If you are a Denver Realtor looking for a good environment in which to learn and prosper, follow this link . Kristal Kraft , ABR, CIPS, CRS Licensed real estate broker selling Colorado Since 1984 The Berkshire Group Realtors, Inc. 3801 E. Florida Ave, Suite 502, Denver, Colorado U.S.A. 80210 800-319-7738 toll free | 303-589-2022 direct | 720-554-7961 fax E-mail: Kristal Kraft, Realtor 1998-2005, © Reflective Motion Inc. | Privacy Policy | Site Credits | Disclaimer | Site Map ~2 ~3 ~4 Denver Relocation | Buy a Home In Denver | Sell a Home in Denver | Denver Map | Denver Neighborhood Profiles | Denver Sales Statistics | International Real Estate | A Bio | My Favorite Places | Real Estate Resources Denver Loft Homes | The Berkshire Group | Buy and Sell Denver | We Sell Denver | Denver Colorado Real Estate | Denver Blog

Property Listing

Colorado HomeFinder | ColoradoReal Estate, Search ColoradoHomes for Sale in the MLS Call 800.231.9153 | Contact Us If you already have an account, sign in here Colorado Real Estate - find out first about the newest real estate listings! You learn about homes for sale the day they hit the market - before other buyers. Automated HomeAlert emails you new listings that fit your personal home search criteria and gives you access to all the Colorado real estate listings. It's easy - Just submit your email address and home search criteria. Your email is not shared or sold to anyone. You incur no obligation or cost for this free real estate service. Our Privacy Policy: We respect your privacy. All information provided is strictly confidential and you can unsubscribe at any time. Colorado HomeFinder will never sell or share your information with any outside parties. Click here to review our Privacy Policy . Your Automated HomeAlert Search Criteria * Required information Property Type: * Please select... Single Family Condominium or Townhome Any Property Price Range: * From Price.. 75,000 100,000 125,000 150,000 160,000 170,000 180,000 190,000 200,000 210,000 220,000 230,000 240,000 250,000 275,000 300,000 325,000 350,000 375,000 400,000 425,000 450,000 475,000 500,000 525,000 550,000 575,000 600,000 625,000 650,000 675,000 700,000 750,000 800,000 850,000 900,000 950,000 1,000,000 2,000,000 5,000,000 - To Price.. 100,000 125,000 150,000 175,000 200,000 225,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000 320,000 330,000 340,000 350,000 375,000 400,000 425,000 450,000 475,000 500,000 525,000 550,000 575,000 600,000 625,000 650,000 675,000 700,000 750,000 800,000 850,000 900,000 950,000 1,000,000 2,000,000 5,000,000 10,000,000 Min Bedrooms: 1 2 3 4 5 Min Bathrooms: 1 2 3 4 Min Square Feet: No Preference 500 600 700 800 900 1,000 1,100 1,200 1,300 1,400 1,500 1,600 1,700 1,800 1,900 2,000 2,100 2,200 2,300 2,400 2,500 2,600 2,700 2,800 2,900 3,000 3,250 3,500 3,750 4,000 4,500 5,000 6,000 Age of Home: No Age Preference New Construction Only 5 years or less 10 years or less 20 years or less Older than 50 years City Preferences: * Select at least one city... Arvada Aurora Berthoud Boulder Broomfield Castle Rock Denver Englewood Erie Estes Park Evans Evergreen Firestone Fort Collins Fort Lupton Fort Morgan Frederick Golden Highlands Ranch Johnstown Lakewood Lafayette Littleton Longmont Louisville Loveland Lyons Nederland Niwot Parker Severance Superior Thornton Wellington Westminster Windsor Please select if necessary Arvada Aurora Berthoud Boulder Broomfield Castle Rock Denver Englewood Erie Estes Park Evans Evergreen Firestone Fort Collins Fort Lupton Fort Morgan Frederick Golden Highlands Ranch Johnstown Lakewood Lafayette Littleton Longmont Louisville Loveland Lyons Nederland Niwot Parker Severance Superior Thornton Wellington Westminster Windsor Please select if necessary Arvada Aurora Berthoud Boulder Broomfield Castle Rock Denver Englewood Erie Estes Park Evans Evergreen Firestone Fort Collins Fort Lupton Fort Morgan Frederick Golden Highlands Ranch Johnstown Lakewood Lafayette Littleton Longmont Louisville Loveland Lyons Nederland Niwot Parker Severance Superior Thornton Wellington Westminster Windsor Contact Information Name: * First Name: Last Name: E-mail: * (Valid email address is required to receive listings) Re-enter E-mail: * Phone Contact: * Home Phone: Work Phone: Information that will help us serve you better Your level of Interest: * I have a HIGH interest in buying a home and am ready to start visiting homes now. (Please provide your phone number) I have a MEDIUM interest in buying a home, but I just started my search and need to become more familiar with the market. I do not have any definite plans to move at this time. I am just curious about the listings that are currently on the market. I currently: * live in Colorado plan to move to Colorado Your Comments Any additional information that will help us better understand your needs I agree with Colorado HomeFinder Terms & Conditions Just getting familiar with Colorado real estate? Or, do you know the exact street where you want to live? No matter what stage you are in your home search, Automated HomeAlert is for you! The latest technology makes finding homes for sale easier than ever ! Automatic email notification of new listings and access to all the real estate listings from all the brokerages saves you time - and makes searching for homes fun. You are in control! Colorado HomeFinder lets you search for real estate at your own pace. If you are just thinking about a buying a home, no problem...the Automated HomeAlert System is a great way to get familiar with the Colorado real estate market. If you are ready to start seeing homes in person, just let us know. Our local, licensed REALTORs can show you any property on the market. Get matched with a great REALTOR When you're ready for the assistance of a REALTOR, we will match you with the Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR that knows your target market best. Colorado HomeFinder agents are hand-picked REMAX professionals that average over 15 years of experience. We're a Colorado company, not a national referral service with a "list of agents." Our REALTORs are some of the best in the business and are true Colorado real estate market experts! 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home equity options line

Countrywide - Home Equity Loans home equity home owners guide home loan glossary equity credit line process home ownership tips your credit report home equity options line of credit options quick approval options rates & costs home equity calculator loan advisor apply now call us: 1-800-825-4549 1-800-825-4549 contact us | site map | log in CFC home | about us | investor relations | business partners -- Learn: How much you can borrow. The difference between a Home Equity Loan and a Home Equity Line of Credit. The benefits of applying for a Home Equity Loan. Shop: Our rates for a Countrywide Home Equity Loan. Apply: Online now Homeowner Guide Learn about the process for getting a home equity line of credit. Plus, pick up valuable home ownership tips you can use right now. Home Equity Options Get help selecting the right line of credit for you, and discover ways we can speed up the approval process. Rates & Costs Find Today's Rate for our home equity program and learn your options on closing costs. Home Equity Calculator See how large a line of credit you can afford and your home equity will support. Loan Advisor Use this simple tool to find the best home equity loan or credit line for you. See The Benefits of Applying Online See a preview of our online application process where qualified borrowers can get an UpFront approval in minutes. Apply Now Jump start the loan process by taking a few minutes to submit your application online. Easy, Really. Home Equity Line of Credit ("HELOC") or Home Equity Loan A home equity line of credit is a lot like a credit card. You can continuously use it up to your credit limit. One of the best parts of a home equity line of credit is that the interest rate is typically lower than a credit card and the interest paid can be tax deductible (consult your tax advisor about your personal situation). Most home equity loans are simply second mortgages. They have fixed rates with longer terms over a fixed period of time. These loans are amortized - your monthly payment is applied to principal and interest. You receive the amount of money you borrow in one lump sum. For this reason, home equity loans can be ideal for longer-term financial goals. back to top Benefits of Applying for a Home Equity Line of Credit or a Home Equity Loan Home equity lines of credit or home equity loans, you've probably heard about using these types of home equity financing products to meet your financial goals. You can tap into your home's equity and use the money to consolidate your debts*, finance your remodeling projects, pay your children's tuition, buy a new car or a boat, or even take your dream vacation. Tapping into the equity built in your home is a wise choice that allows you to take advantage of lower interest rates. Furthermore, some of Countrywide's line of credit options do not even require an appraisal of your house. Interest on both a home equity loan and line of credit may be deductible (consult your tax advisor about your personal situation). back to top service guarantees | why choose Countrywide? | loan status | find a branch | current customers | home loans | log in loans en espaol | Countrywide's Full Spectrum Lending Division | we house america | banking | insurance | investments your accounts | contact us | site map | careers | about us | investor relations | privacy & security | licenses & registrations Equal Housing Lender. © 2005 Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. Trade/service marks are the property of Countrywide Financial Corp., and/or its subsidiaries. *UpFront Approval is subject to satisfactory appraisal and title review and no change in financial condition. If the rate is not locked or rate protection expires, any rate increase may lower the loan amount for which the borrower has pre-qualified. Some products may not be available in all states. Refinancing or taking out a home equity loan or line of credit may increase the total number of monthly payments and the total amount paid when comparing to your current situation. State Licensing . Privacy & Security.

Land Loan

Construction Loan Disbursement - Land Title Guarantee Company: Serving Colorado and its people since 1967 Home Lenders Construction Loan Disbursement Service Construction Loan Disbursing Service for Lenders For information about the Construction Disbursing process or pricing, please contact us via email or by calling the Construction Disbursement Department at 303-636-2760. The Benefits: Land Title's Construction Loan Disbursing Department is staffed by professionals with a total of over 51 years experience. Land Title keeps an accurate accounting of funds disbursed from the loan. Land Title employs its own professional inspectors to provide the highest quality inspections at no additional cost to you. Land Title collects Mechanic's Lien waivers throughout the project from each subcontractor, freeing up your time for other priorities. Land Title charges one flat fee for residential properties, which includes the inspection report, the Mechanic's Lien Endorsement, disbursement processing, and all delivery fees. A single fee means you can accurately budget for all your upcoming projects. Borrowers are included in the disbursement agreement, so no one is left out of the loop. Land Title maintains your escrow instructions. Land Title disburses on commercial projects and single family residences. Loans disbursed generally range from $200,000 to $50,000,000. However, we can disburse on loans of any amount. The Process: The construction Loan Disbursement process begins when the general contractor submits a Draw Request to Land Title. Land Title can provide a form upon request. However, your form, a computerized form, or an AIA form are all generally acceptable. The Draw Request includes the names and addresses of payees and the amounts to be paid. All invoices to be paid should be attached. The contractor presents the Draw Request to the owner and obtains the owner's approval and signature. Land Title conducts the Inspections and prepares a Construction Progress Report affirming that the work and materials are in place and estimates the overall percentage of completion. Land Title conducts a title search for Mechanic's Liens. Land Title forwards to the lender the Draw Request, together with the title search for Mechanic's Liens. While the draw is pending lender approval, Land Title cuts all checks, obtains W-9 tax identification numbers, prepares the check register, and is ready to disburse as soon as the lender's funds are deposited into Land Title's account. Items of construction interest, overhead and profit, and soft costs can be paid if they are in accord with the lender's policy. The lender and the borrower must both approve these payments in writing. When the lender approves the draw and funds are received, Land Title mails the already-prepared checks directly to the contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors as directed. Land Title's disbursement checks have a lien waiver imprinted on the face of the check. The lien waiver states the amount, the ownership, and the address, and the check stub gives the description of invoices or work being paid. The lien waiver must be signed separately and apart from the check endorsement. If the payee fails to sign the lien waiver, the check will not clear the bank. After Land Title has prepared and disbursed checks directly to all subcontractors and suppliers, Land Title will furnish a check register--listing all checks by check numbers, person(s) paid, and the amounts paid--to the contractor after each draw, and to the borrower and lender upon request. Land Title can furnish a check register from day one to any point in the construction. Land Title can also furnish a register for all payments to any individual payee at any time during or at the end of construction. The Pricing Land Title's Construction Disbursement pricing is based on the size of the loan and type of protection being provided. Please contact the Construction Disbursement Department by email or phone (303-636-2760) for a quote. Generally, the price for single family residences is $750 for loans up to $500,000, then 75 cents for each $1,000 thereafter.

Florida real estate market

The Condo Company - Specializing in Condos and Real Estate from South Florida to California The Condo Company is a highly specialized real estate agency that focuses on the luxury condo market. The United States is currently experiencing unprecedented growth in condo developments; with this growth comes the need for a real estate company dedicated solely to helping customers buy, sell, or rent a condo. Select a location below to see information about condos in a specific area, or use our industry leading search tool. FLORIDA The Condo Company was started in south Florida and is continuing to expand throughout the state as condo craze continues in virtually every beachfront location in the state. Miami Miami Beach South Beach Sunny Isles Beach Aventura Surfside Bal Harbour Bay Harbor Coral Gables Key Biscayne Brickell Coconut Grove Fort Lauderdale Deerfield Beach Lauderdale By The Sea Hallandale Beach Lighthouse Point Hollywood Pompano Beach Coral Springs Wilton Manors Plantation Palm Beach West Palm Beach Delray Beach Boca Raton Jupiter Boynton Beach [more... Orlando West Orlando North Orlando Winter-Park Kissimmee Polk County East Orlando Lake County Metrowest Naples Marco Island Bonita Springs Fort Myers Beach Fort Myers Cape Coral NEVADA (LAS VEGAS) The latest venture that is sweeping the Las Vegas real estate market is the condo boom. Famed developers are now focusing their efforts on the still untapped Las Vegas condo market. Henderson / Green Valley Lake Las Vegas Southern Highlands Las Vegas The Strip Summerlin Downtown Anthem The Lakes Queensridge Peccole Ranch The Condo Company Information The Condo Company was originally formed in South Florida to meet the demands of consumers looking to invest in real estate, or purchase a vacation property for themselves or to earn extra income by renting. Like Miami and Fort Lauderdale, similar booms in condo sales are being seen in other regions of Florida such as Destin, Naples, Orlando, Sarasota, West Palm Beach, and many others. Outside of the state new developments are shooting up in Las Vegas, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston. Being the first company to concentrate on condos at a national and world-wide scale has given us a marked advantage over many companies trying to enter the market late. We have the largest online database of condos and an established internet presence. So for buyers we provide the largest inventory to browse; and for sellers we offer the most heavily searched condo site on the Internet. We will be expanding to the following areas soon: Sarasota Orlando Los Angeles Vail Atlanta Las Vegas Chicago Boston Real Estate & Condo News (12/21 14:41)- Appraising Las Vegas Homes: New Real Estate Value Search System (PR Web via Yahoo! News) - Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) December 21, 2005 -- A new searchable automated appraisal real estate market database has been created for consumers wishing to receive an instant market value for their Las Vegas Homes . This first of its kind system allows Las Vegas homeowners to input information about their home in to this appraisal database to retrieve their homes present fair market value in Las Vegas (12/22 14:39)- Downtown land purchase could set stage for retail, condos (Houston Chronicle) - A real estate development group has purchased three blocks of prime downtown land, a move that takes it one step closer to building a proposed retail, condominium and office complex on the site. (12/20 19:06)- Area Apartment Complexes Converting to Condos (WCJB) - Hundreds of people renting apartments in North Central Florida are facing a big decision between moving out or coughing up the money to buy the apartment. It's a big trend in real estate right now to convert apartments to condos. Call it a spin-off of Florida's red hot real estate market. (12/19 01:04)- Miami Real Estate Market (Turks.US) - The Florida real estate market is on an upward swing, and the Miami area market is certainly no exception. With strong economic growth, jobs, and schools, its a prime growing location. City life, with great beach access, make it attractive to both newcomers to the area. Rankthenet.com The Luxury Condo Culture - Defined Condo n: one of the dwelling units in a condominium Such a bland definition hardly defines the word condo as it pertains to the luxury condo culture. In this world of convenience, opulence, and at times excess, the term condo represents a lifestyle, a point of view on life that demands the best. Here is where young professionals live among their peers and mingle around crystalline infinity-edged pools. Here is where retired baby boomers who have empty nests and sizable inheritances choose to establish their primary homes and vacation retreats. And here is where the international jet-set have their third, fourth, and fifth residences. As this culture continues to grow, a greater understanding of its nuances is needed. Convenience may be the most important attribute in the luxury condo culture. For the busy and well-to-do residents, many of whom only inhabit their units for a few months out of the year, the day-to-day upkeep that a single-family home requires is impractical. Rather, they prefer to pay a monthly fee and defer maintenance decisions to their condo associations. I just love being able to fly in from my place in Aspen and have my beachfront condo waiting so I can relax and unwind, says Elianne Divo Roth, resident of the luxurious Solimar in Bal Harbour, Florida. For others, safety is the key. Gabrielle Goldstein, a Los Angeles-based advertising executive, moved from her house in the Hollywood Hills to a luxury condo in West Hollywood. Sure, convenience was a consideration, she says, but really the security I feel when I pull my car up and the valet is waiting ... thats very important. I didnt have that feeling at my house in the Hills. For Goldstein, who often travels back and forth to New York, this peace of mind encompasses her automobile. I can leave my car for long periods of time and know its secure. Of course, these pragmatic reasons for living in a luxury condo are sufficient, but they barely scratch the surface of the luxury condo culture. Modern luxury buildings are equipped with the best of everything to provide their residents with a sexy and glamorous way of life. State-of-the-art gyms, rooftop pools, and full spa and concierge services are just a few of the lush amenities. Many of the newer buildings take it a step further with Smart Technology wired throughout anything you need at the touch of a button. What makes condo living unique are the amenities, says Tom Walsh, president of JJW Construction, a 40-year-old Florida construction company. Their latest building, the Argo Tower, will rise 15 stories high on Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale . Socializing, entertaining and exercising are all taking place in the convenience of the magnificently decorated party rooms, library, guest rooms, gym, pool and spa. Beyond the amenities, which virtually all new developments embrace, is the decisive factor of location. While it is obvious why one chooses a winter retreat in Park City, Utah, or a summer getaway in Europe, those buying primary residences may be forsaking the suburbs to embrace urban surroundings. Perhaps their kids are grown and their need for a single family home has run its course, or perhaps the luxury of leaving the car parked and walking to and fro is important. These people are looking for condos that have shops, restaurants and entertainment within walking distance. This school of thought is evident in rising developments like PGA Commons in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., or Skyline at Mary Brickell Village in downtown Miami. Typical Skyline at Mary Brickell Village buyers are professionals who desire to live, work and play in a vibrant urban environment, says Steven Priebe, director of marketing for Skyline Equity Realty. They enjoy the luxurious amenities of the building as well as the convenience of being in a location surrounded by wonderful restaurants, upscale boutiques and typical errand-running destinations such as a market, dry cleaners and pharmacy. Architecture is another inviting characteristic. New condominiums come in a variety of configurations, with many exteriors marked by clean lines, stylish glass facades, and abstract details that set the buildings apart. New condominium developments are attracting renowned architects like Charles Gwathmey and Richard Meier. Gwathmey, who has designed condos and homes for Steven Spielberg and David Geffen, teamed with The Related Companies to build Astor Place in New York. According to Gwathmey, this stunning building was conceived in three dimensions with multiple facades and no true front or back. This sculptural approach, when applied by masters like Gwathmey or Meier, has a trickle-down effect on condo architecture throughout the world. The impact can be seen in buildings from New York to Miami, Las Vegas to Dallas-Fort Worth, London to Dubai. Then there is the interior layout of individual condo units. Often, the architect hired to design the dwellings is different than the architect used for the exteriors. Its a collaborative effort, says Ismael Leyva, one of New Yorks biggest names in this arena. His skills are evidenced in some of Manhattans most desirable luxury condos. Notable projects include Time Warner Center and Astor Place. When I work with an architect like Charles Gwathmey, hell come with a shape and then well work together with the principal to make the original design efficient for condo living. The efficiency involves aspects such as dimensions and depth one foot here, two feet there. Its very subtle. Of course, interior architecture is complemented by interior design. The French-styled 21-story Vendome in uptown Dallas features classic European architecture by New York-based Alayo Architects PC, while inside, the plush condos inhabited by young professionals like Jimmy Kent reflect the residents personal style. Kents most recent condo in the Vendome included a 275-gallon saltwater aquarium, a feature that along with the high-rises elegant exterior and French ambiance helped Kent awe and entice the condos new owners. For Kent, architecture and interior design have worked together to deliver an uncommon lifestyle. People who live in luxury condos tend to be a bit flashier, lavish and intrigued by unique elements of design, says Kent. The aquarium was the welcome mat of my last condo, the first thing you saw as you entered the unit. It definitely had shock value, and I think that is what condo dwellers are often looking for, the flair and the flash of a luxury lifestyle. Personal style is the obvious guiding force inside the individual condo units, but the interior design for common areas like lobbies and hallways, party rooms and lounges helps to give a luxury condominium its style or theme. We get involved at a very early stage of development, says Uli Petzold, creative director of XODesignGroup, an interior design firm based in Frankfurt and Miami. Developer BCOM hired us to create the theme and design for 1800 Club, which is on the water, by [Miamis new] Performing Arts Center. It is hip, young and stylish, and on the water, so our theme had to incorporate aquatic elements. These themes are important not only for the people who will be living in the building, but for developers marketing strategies. A luxury building that wishes to attract young and single professionals will have a wholly different interior design than a condo community that appeals to retired baby boomers. Some buildings elect chic, modern interiors with abstract art, bold colors, and retro furnishings. Conversely, other buildings feature opulent lobbies with marble fountains, imported fixtures, and unrestrained accessories like crystal chandeliers, grand pianos, and fine art. Still others are inspired by Eastern philosophy that embraces the disciplines of Feng Shui. Developers spare no expense when it comes to translating themes to their demanding demographic. Public relations firms and advertising agencies throw extravagant parties and launch extensive campaigns to ensure that these themes are understood during the pre-construction phase of sales. In Cambridge, Mass., the Regatta Riverview Residences threw a bash with free wine and champagne, and a jazz band. Other condominiums in the Boston area have turned entire floors in buildings adjacent to the construction site into nightclubs with open bars and flowing hors doeuvres. The nightclub setups are decorated to translate the developments image. In Miami, budgets for pre-construction parties are unrestrained. The historic Anglers Hotel, which was recently sold for $5 million and is being converted into a boutique condo/hotel, put up a massive tent with an open bar for roughly 1,000 guests. Exotic characters in full costume and stilt performers were scattered throughout, and a Bahamian marching band marked the nights climax. The night was electric, says Ana Oz, a luxury condo owner who was there, so many beautiful people in one place celebrating this booming industry. That party was the epitome of South Beach excess and style. The objective of such elaborate affairs is to sell condos, and after the party is over, real estate agents and brokers negotiate the deals. Colorful and detailed renderings, models, and computer-generated presentations are used to sell units in buildings that have yet to break ground. The Internet is also a valuable tool. We have people coming from all over the world who are looking to invest, says Michael Ledwitz, owner of The Condo Company. He notes that 77 percent of all people looking to buy a luxury condo go to the Internet first. This statistic makes it essential that condo developments feature the very best in Web design. Without a high-tech, impressive site, a potential buyer may stray elsewhere before any of the other sales tools can be utilized. From interior design and architecture to amenities and convenience, the luxury condo culture is a fascinating world that continues to evolve. With so many aspects and subtleties that contribute to this sophisticated way of life, a specific definition is difficult to ascertain. Although, when all of the data has been analyzed, the luxury condo culture is best defined by the people who live it. SITE MENU Sellers Advantage Featured Condos Condo Search Contact Vacation Rentals Myrtle Beach Condos Myrtle Beach Condos For Sale [CLICK TO ADVERTISE] HOT CONDOS Miami Beach Area The Setai Icon South Beach Boston Area Intercontinental The Folio 360 Newbury Agent Log In