Optimism was the feeling as some 25,000 agents, brokers and other real estate professionals descended upon Las Vegas last week to discuss the future of the residential real estate market at the National Association of Realtors (NAR) conference.

This being the first gathering of agents since the acute market down turn, the mood was upbeat and optimistic given the size of the crowd and the emphasis on new technology as agents serached for what works and what doesn’t in this correcting marketplace.

For Unique Homes Magazine, they rolled out to customers an integrated marketing system that combines print, online and digital components all in one marketing system.

“The show was very successful. The savvy luxury agent understands that integration and a smart media mix is what works. One of the programs we discussed with agents was the overhaul of our  ELITE-2008 personal branding system. The response to that program was quite positive,” observed Bruce Griset of Unique Homes.

Christina Lodar, an international consultant and sales manager did a tremendous amount of networking with many of the Latin American developers that attended from Panama, Costa Rica and Mexico.

“There is tremendous opportunity for American consumers to invest in venues like Costa Rica which is really hot. The second home and vacation market has now extended beyond our borders south and that’s very exciting,” said Lodar.

Unique Homes has been a participant at NAR for the better part of 30 years.  This year, Unique Homes shared booth space with our sister publications Seattle Lifestyle & Homes, Colorado Lifestyle & Homes, Mountain Living and our regional luxury magazine, ENCLAVE.

“These home & design titles are another advertising option for our customers. In addition, ENCLAVE offers a very defined target in pockets of wealth such as the Westside of Los Angeles, Dallas, Denver and the Atlanta markets, noted Richard Goodwin, publisher of Unique Homes.

For Unique Homes and our staff, the show is all about building new relationships and networking.

“NAR is the center of the real estate world. Virtually every major player in the residential market comes to NAR to listen, learn and take part in the various receptions, networking events and educational opportunities available to the attendees. If you’re truly committed to the residential market, coming to NAR is critical to servicing your customers,” noted Goodwin.

Two of the more well attended events was the announcement of the Top 200 Agents by LORE and The Wall Street Journal as well as the annual broker dinner sponsored by RIS Media and it’s president, John Featherston.

“It was important that the tone and mood of the event be positive. I was impressed with the volume of agents and attendees who saw this event not so much as social, but as a true chance to exchange ideas in terms of marketing and technology options. Anyone in attendance had to leave feeling good about the future of real estate and where the market will turn come 2008 and beyond,” noted Nick Antonicello. Director of Sales for Unique Homes.

The next major marketing event for luxury agents will be The Luxury Conclave scheduled for January 16th through January 18th at the world famous Phonecian Hotel & Spa located in Scottsdale, Arizona.

For more information about The Conclave, visit www.theluxuryconclave.com