Texas landscapes of our

American Farmland Trust Texas region Texas Special Report Going, Going, Gone: The impact of land fragmentation on Texas agriculture and wildlife The Texas of legend, and of our memories, is a land of vast, wide open spaces. The reality, however, is that over the last 30 years, the average size of land ownership—the average acreage of land holdings—in Texas has been shrinking dramatically. A March, 2003 report from Texas Cooperative Extension of the Texas A&M University System and American Farmland Trust, entitled Texas Rural Lands: Trends and Conservation Implications for the 21st Century [ More ] , assesses the extent of land fragmentation in Texas and identifies predictors that warn of areas around the state most at risk for fragmentation. The report also examines how effective a purchase of development rights program may be in stemming the tide of land fragmentation in Texas. ( More information on PDR in Texas) Going, Going, Gone: The Impact of Land Fragmentation on Texas Agriculture and Wildlife summarizes some of the findings of that report, by discussing the effect of land fragmentation on our citizens, wildlife, farming, ranching and water supplies. This 12-page study also outlines recommendations made by American Farmland Trust with an eye toward conserving family lands and the Texas landscapes of our memory. To accommodate new landowners, the vast farms and famous Texas ranches are being rapidly splintered into smaller and smaller pieces. Each year since 1970, about 1,000 new farms and ranches have been established in Texas. At the same time, the total area devoted to agricultural uses declined by almost 3 million acres. That's 33,000 more farms and ranches on 3 million fewer acres. This process is part of a trend known as land fragmentation. ( Look at a map of Texas' most fragmented counties) Those new "ranchettes" are typically too small for traditional farming, ranching or forestry. But that's fine with most new landowners who have limited interest in working the land. Instead, they want a place where they can escape the crowds and noise of urban life. They want to do a little hunting, explore the countryside, own a few cattle and reconnect with the spirit of the old West. One recent survey of new landowners by the Texas A&M University's Real Estate Center found that 80 percent of buyers said that finding land for non-agricultural uses, like hunting, fishing and other recreation were "very important" motives for their purchase. Sadly, this rush to embrace the land may be ruining it. Thousands of new "ranchettes" are gobbling up open space and degrading wildlife habitat, while at the same time depleting and polluting scarce water resources. The most vivid examples of this phenomenon can be found in the more populous eastern half of the state and on the outskirts of just about any major city. From 1992 to 2001, over half a million acres of farm and ranchland in twenty-five Texas counties were converted to land uses other than agriculture. While this loss due to "urban sprawl" was primarily confined to the fringes of our major metropolitan areas, the fragmentation of agricultural lands into smaller ownerships has occurred in areas that have not been affected by urban sprawl. Fragmentation is starting to eat away at large ownerships even in areas such as the Trans Pecos and South Texas, which seem the very definition of "wide open spaces." This fragmentation is likely to continue in some of the most rural areas of the state where natural amenities such as recreation potential and scenic beauty are in high demand. Texas Rural Lands: Trends and Conservation Implications for the 21st Century examined the issue of land fragmentation and its impact on land uses across the state and found that this phenomenon is rapidly transforming Texas. The changes often go unnoticed by the average Texan, but those close to the land see the consequences. Things are changing. Follow the links below to view the rest of the report. Or download a PDF of the full report here . Look at the Texas Land Trends interactive report here . For more information on both reports, contact: Bob Wagner American Farmland Trust 1 Short Street Northampton, MA 01060 413-586-4593 Texas Regional home page AFT's Press Release on Going, Going, Gone Fragmentation study overview New Breed of Landowners Ranches and Wildlife Water Worries A PDR program for Texas Recommendations Charts and Graphs 1200 18th Street, NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 info@farmland.org 202-331-7300 202-659-8339 (f) [ << AFT Home ]

Land Loans :: Unimproved

Unimproved Property / Land Loans / Mortgages/Equity Loans / Loans / Accounts & Services / Wishing You a Prosperous 2006! - Florida Commerce Credit Union Search: Accounts & Services Account Disclosures Loans Deposit Accounts Rates Credit Cards Vehicle Services Safe Deposit Boxes About Us Contact Us News Locations Employment Board of Directors Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) FCCU Annual Reports Privacy Notice and Disclosure Credit Union Philosophy History Membership Information Watch out for email scams! REPORT FRAUDULENT EMAILS FCCU Newsletters Promotions VISA Gift Cards On-Sale! FREE LUNCH for your office HOLIDAY Refer a friend campaign Events Member Resources Account Resources Technology and Security Center Calculators Consumer Education Mortgage Resources Other Helpful Resources Forms FCCU Facts Vehicle Services Mechanical Breakdown Coverage Vehicle Lending, Finance & Insurance Services Online New Car & Truck Research and Price Quotes (CarSmart) Verify your collateral insurance on-line Apply for a Loan Online Accounts & Services Account Disclosures Loans Student Loan Info Frequently Asked Questions Glossary for Financial Aid and Student Loan Student- High School Planning Guide Parents- High School Planning Guide FAFSA Completion Tips Apply for a loan Auto and Other Loans Personal Loans Auto Loans Mortgages/Equity Loans Deposit Accounts Sammy Squirrel Kids Club Investment MMAs IRAs CDs Small Business Accounts Personal Accounts Checking Accounts Savings Accounts Rates Credit Cards Vehicle Services Safe Deposit Boxes -- Home :: Accounts & Services :: Loans :: Mortgages/Equity Loans :: Land Loans :: Unimproved Property Rate Terms 8.1% - 12.6% 5 years or less 8.45% - 12.95% 5 to 10 years 9.1% - 13.6% 10 to 15 years Home | CommNet Home | iBranch! New User Instructions | Accounts & Services | About Us | Promotions | Member Resources | Vehicle Services Return to Home Page Print View Site Map Search Email This Link 2005 Florida Commerce Credit Union | 800.533.5772

Real Estate Loan

Mortgage News Daily - Mortgage And Real Estate News Thursday December 29, 2005 ... Home Latest Headlines Contact Us Bookmark Us Sitemap Comments/Feedback 30 Yr Fix 6.22% 0.04% 15 Yr Fix 5.76% 0.03% 1 Yr ARM 5.15% 0.07% 30 Yr Tres 4.53% 0.00% Fed Prime 7.25% 0.25% MND Features - Mortgage License Information - Real Estate License Information - Mortgage Content Syndication - Mortgage Fraud - Wiki - New! Mortgage News Monthly Archive September 2004 October 2004 November 2004 December 2004 January 2005 February 2005 March 2005 April 2005 May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 August 2005 Get Real Time News Updates via your Favorite News Reader! MORTGAGE NEWS DAILY HEADLINES Mortgage Rates and Activity? Holidays Hold Center Stage Wed, 28 Dec 2005 16:00:31 EST Weekly Mortgage Survey - Week Ending December 22, 2005 Mortgage Rates, Fees and Points Ease Marginally From Previous Week Wed, 21 Dec 2005 16:13:30 EST Weekly Mortgage Survey - Week Ending December 15, 2005 NAR Report Sees Banks as Non-Competitive Wed, 21 Dec 2005 11:02:30 EST Per NAR, real estate is a nearly perfect competitive market. Banking, uh,.not so much. NAR Strikes Back At Anti-Competitive Charges Fri, 16 Dec 2005 15:56:11 EST NAR counters claims of non-competitiveness with major review of real estate and banking industry structures. Mortgage Rates Continue To Exhibit Split Personality Wed, 14 Dec 2005 15:32:46 EST Weekly Mortgage Survey - Week Ending December 8, 2005 Major Economic Forecasts Paint Varied Future For Housing Mon, 12 Dec 2005 12:57:23 EST Economists generally agree that housing is slowing but differ greatly on the pace and the effect. Surveys Indicating Mortgage Rates Turning Around Again Thu, 8 Dec 2005 10:43:10 EST Weekly Mortgage Survey - Week Ending November 30, 2005 A Bad Inspection Should Not Be The End Of The World (Cont) Wed, 7 Dec 2005 11:19:55 EST Do not give up on your dream house just because the inspection report is less than dreamy. Money can fix most problems and your seller may be willing to pay his share. Conventional Loan Limits Increased For Freddie and Fannie Fri, 2 Dec 2005 12:57:16 EST Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae loan limits will increase to meet rising house prices. Mortgage Rates Return To October Levels Wed, 30 Nov 2005 12:04:00 EST Weekly Mortgage Survey - Week Ending November 23, 2005 Housing Bubble - Maybe, Maybe Not. Wed, 30 Nov 2005 11:48:21 EST NAR and HUD-Census Bureau release October sales figures. Existing home sales slow a bit but new homes continue to sell at a record pace. Home Inspection Reports Should Not Be All Bad News Tue, 29 Nov 2005 11:59:27 EST A good housing inspection should give a buyer a solid assessment of the new house and provide lots of information to keep it running well. Mortgage Rates Drop According To Most Recent Surveys Wed, 23 Nov 2005 15:54:21 EST Weekly Mortgage Survey - Week Ending November 17, 2005 What Constitutes A Good Home Inspection? Tue, 29 Nov 2005 11:38:57 EST What should you expect from a home inspection? The American Society of Home Inspectors has Standards of Practice, but a good inspector will go an extra mile or more. No Matter What, Budget For A Home Inspection Thu, 17 Nov 2005 12:21:16 EST Home inspections are a nearly universal part of a home purchase these days. Why you should never forego one and what you should expect to pay, how you will benefit, and how states are moving to regulate the process. Mortgage Rates Increase Moderately After Last Weeks Big Jump Wed, 16 Nov 2005 15:20:49 EST Weekly Mortgage Survey - Week Ending November 10, 2005 Fannie Mae Misses Report Again and Finds More Accounting Problems Tue, 15 Nov 2005 11:02:29 EST Any bets on when Fannie Mae will finally figure out what it earned or didnt during the first years of the new century? It sure does not seem to be getting any closer to restating its earlier reports. Freddie Mac Sees Continued Bright Future For Housing Market Fri, 11 Nov 2005 11:59:32 EST Beyond short term impacts of the hurricanes and in spite of rising interest rates Freddie Mac still paints a picture of a solid housing market. Mortgage Rates Take Biggest Jump of Year Wed, 9 Nov 2005 13:32:38 EST Weekly Mortgage Survey - Week Ending November 4, 2005 Home Building and Remodeling For Accessability - Part II Tue, 8 Nov 2005 16:29:30 EST Making a home work for the elderly or disabled can provide comfort and safety for the whole family. President Bush Tax Panel Recommendations Go To Executive Branch Mon, 7 Nov 2005 13:31:51 EST The Presidential tax panel issued its recommendations this week. There were enough small changes to warrant a second and more comprehensive look. Weekly Mortgage Rates Hit New Yearly Highs Again Wed, 2 Nov 2005 16:22:05 EST Weekly Mortgage Survey - Week Ending October 27, 2005 Building Or Remodeling Your Home In Light Of The Inevitable or Accidental Tue, 1 Nov 2005 17:16:01 EST A disability, even a very temporary one, can raise havoc with the enjoyment of your home. Take any opportunity when building or remodeling to prepare for accessibility. Lopsided House Vote Seeks To Regulate Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Fri, 28 Oct 2005 11:41:39 EST The House of Representatives has approved new oversight for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Senate approval appears a long way off. The 30 Fixed Mortgage Rates Now Firmly Over 6 Percent Tue, 8 Nov 2005 15:40:15 EST Weekly Mortgage Survey - Week Ending October 20, 2005 NAR Sees Soft Landing as Housing Bubble Transitions To Expansion Wed, 26 Oct 2005 14:43:30 EST NAR report sees an ultimate soft landing as bubble begins to soften and fallout from Katrina benefits portions of the sales market. Home Mortgage Deduction Under Attack By Presidential Panel Mon, 7 Nov 2005 15:02:02 EST Homeowners may lose a cherished tax deduction if a presidential panel gets its way. But history says it is unlikely to happen. Modular Homes and Prefab Housing Can Save Time and Money Fri, 21 Oct 2005 12:55:34 EST Modular and panelized construction using a variety of methods and materials offer time and cost saving alternatives for homeowners. Even IKEA is getting into the act. Are Real Estate Commissions at the Root of NAR Problems? Fri, 21 Oct 2005 11:59:10 EST Are commissions the reason for the recent attacks on the National Association of Realtors and on agents. Hmmmm - there does seem to be a pattern. Mortgage Rates Top 6 Percent Tue, 8 Nov 2005 15:38:18 EST Weekly Mortgage Survey - Week Ending October 13, 2005 Rita Joins Katrina As Topic of Freddie Mac Monthly Reports Mon, 17 Oct 2005 14:17:54 EST Although acknowledging hurricanes impact, Freddie Mac still sees a rosy housing picture. Freddie Mac Anticipates Huge Hurricane Related Losses Wed, 12 Oct 2005 15:31:24 EST Freddie Mac has tallied up its losses to Rita and Katrina and they will be substantial. Fixed Mortgage Rates Nudge 6 Percent For First Time Since Spring Wed, 12 Oct 2005 14:40:39 EST Weekly Mortgage Survey - Week Ending October 6, 2005 Congress Is Also On The Case - NARs Troubles, Continued Wed, 12 Oct 2005 12:31:48 EST A Government Accountability Office Report suggests reputation and service may be more relevant to creating competition in the real estate than commissions. Manufactured Housing And Homes-In-A-Box are Viable Routes To Home Ownership Mon, 10 Oct 2005 13:05:07 EST While traditional one-stud-at-a-time construction remains the norm, a potential build-it-myselfer would do well to check out options to make those dreams come true. Realtors Under Fire From DOJ, GAO, And That is Just the Beginning Mon, 10 Oct 2005 13:20:04 EST Seems like a lot of people are targeting the National Association of Realtors. The Department of Justice heads the list. ARMs Narrow Yield Curve in Latest Mortgage Rates Survey Wed, 12 Oct 2005 14:38:44 EST Weekly Mortgage Survey - Week Ending September 28, 2005 So You Want To Build A House Tue, 4 Oct 2005 17:26:44 EST Building a home is an adventure but, with enough information and some innovative new housing options, perhaps one with a happy ending. Mortgage Rates and Home Sales Both Up In Recent Reports Wed, 28 Sep 2005 22:09:07 EST Mortgage rates rose, home sales and prices were also higher. But are mortgage applications the canary in the coal mine? Read Those Homeowner and Flood Insurance Policies Before It Is Too Late Tue, 27 Sep 2005 14:10:50 EST Actual cash value versus replacement costs; deductibles, and valued policies are only a few of the things you need to know as an informed consumer of homeowner and flood insurance. HUD and Commerce Say Housing Starts Drop Slightly Thu, 22 Sep 2005 16:54:33 EST Housing starts are reported off in the last month, but the single family market still shows that builders continue to be optimistic. Mortgage Rates Up Across the Board Wed, 21 Sep 2005 18:19:46 EST Weekly Mortgage Summary Report. So Should You Pay PMI or Take Out a Piggyback Mortgage? Mon, 19 Sep 2005 15:18:14 EST Piggy backs make more financial sense at present than private mortgage insurance, but that can change with interest rates and/or pending legislation. Freddie Mac and MBA Mortgage Rates Survey Directionless Thu, 15 Sep 2005 11:27:16 EST Weekly mortgage rates report. Freddie Mac September Outlook - Its All About Katrina Thu, 15 Sep 2005 11:19:51 EST Freddie Mac sheds some light on the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the housing market and economy. Time To Review Your Homeowners and Flood Insurance Coverage Fri, 16 Sep 2005 10:51:26 EST Katrina, not to mention Charley, Ivan, western brush fires, and California mud slides should be prompting you to check your insurance coverage. Another Report on Spiraling Housing Prices Tue, 25 Oct 2005 10:11:54 EST Freddie Mac quarterly report on housing prices show continued growth propelled by dropping interest rates in the second quarter. Private Mortgage Insurance - Facts From The Source Thu, 8 Sep 2005 13:36:38 EST After a bit of a paper chase we finally get some officials answers about how PMI works. Free Credit Reports For All - But Watch Your Step Thu, 8 Sep 2005 10:03:50 EST Now everyone can get a free credit report - just watch your typing fingers. Mortgage Rates Fall For Third Week In A Row Wed, 7 Sep 2005 15:37:26 EST Weekly mortgage rates report. Greenspan Warns Than Housing Prices Will Simmer Down Thu, 1 Sep 2005 11:36:49 EST Chairman Greenspan warns again that housing prices will cool and take parts of the economy along. ©2005 MortgageNewsDaily.com All rights reserved. - Disclaimer

Texas Land Trusts About

TPWD:About Texas Land Trusts Maincontent Local Navigation Show navigation search Regulations Publications Outdoor Learning Kids Game Warden Grants Get Involved Shop FAQ Calendar Español Experience Texas Fishing & Boating State Parks & Destinations Hunting & Wildlife Land & Water Doing Business Home Land & Water Land Private Tltc Texas Land Trusts About Texas Land Trusts Starting a Land Trust Texas Land Trust Directory Foreword Listing Regional Index About the Texas Land Trust Council ( TLTC ) TLTC Board of Directors and Honorary Council News 2004 TLTC Conference Speech Bulletin Board TLTC Publications Land Trust Resources Texas Land Trusts Top 1-Million Mark in Acres Conserved Texas Land Trusts What is a land trust? A land trust is a local, state or regional nonprofit organization directly involved in protecting land for its natural, recreational, scenic, historical or productive value. How do I find a land trust in my area? There are currently 39 land trusts in Texas. Let the Texas Land Trust Directory be your guide in locating a land trust close to you. How do you start a land trust? Setting up a land trust requires careful research and planning. The Texas Land Trust Council has compiled many of the resources you need to answer your questions and establish a successful land trust. About the Texas Land Trust Council The Texas Land Trust Council is committed to promoting and sustaining the conservation efforts of Texas's land trusts. Learn more about the growing number of Texans protecting our distinct heritage . What's a conservation easement? A conservation easement ( PDF 1.6 MB ) is a restriction landowners voluntarily place on specified uses of their property to protect natural, productive or cultural features. It is recorded as a written legal agreement between the landowner and the "holder" of the easement, which may be either a nonprofit conservation organization or government agency. Contact Us | Help | Accessibility | Media | Site Policies | Complaints | Intranet | State of Texas | TRAILS Search | TexasOnline | Compact with Texans Texas Parks and Wildlife Department , 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744 Toll Free: (800) 792-1112, Austin: (512) 389-4800 Content of this site © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department unless otherwise noted. Last modified: October 12, 2005, 12:46 pm

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