Carlisle, Lincoln and Concord—amidst the picturesque landscape that inspired Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau—are among the most coveted communities in the Greater Boston area. High-dollar buyers are drawn by the traditional architecture, strong sense of community, some of the highest ranked schools in the state, and quaint commercial districts offering high-end shopping and dining. Downtown Boston feels a world away, but it’s just a half-hour down the Massachusetts Turnpike and commuter trains serve Concord and Lincoln.

Investing in the luxury lifestyle here requires a minimum of $1.5 million, which buys 4,000 to 5,000 square feet on approximately an acre. Buyers seeking larger lots, equestrian living or a lakeside setting—usually 6,000 to 8,000 square feet of custom-designed space—will spend a minimum of $2.5 million to $3 million.

The presentation of a home can be critical, particularly in a market that favors buyers. I often tell my clients, “It’s not a price war, it’s a beauty contest,” constantly reinforcing the importance of design. Among both antique properties and recent vintage homes, the prevalent architecture in these historic towns is New England Colonial. Sellers need to know how to enhance, rather than detract, from the inherent value of properties, and I urge them to properly stage their homes.

In my opinion, professional representation should involve a comprehensive and objective assessment of marketing issues and a conscientious agent will be fully involved in the process, bringing in experienced design professionals when necessary.

—Laurie Cadigan, Barrett & Company Real Estate

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The beauty and grandeur of Santa Barbara and Montecito have seduced people from around the world for more than a century, and homebuyers continue to gravitate to the “American Riviera.” Our high-end market is strong, inventory short and the average sales price continues to climb over last year. Sales in the $4-million-plus category remain vibrant, with the average price increasing by 10 percent.

Recent new buyers include Gov. and Mrs. Arnold Schwarzenegger and our most recent highest residential closed sale is $31 million for a newly built Montecito ocean view home on 1.5 acres. This buyer subsequently turned around and put their beach home on the market for $32 million. The comedian John Cleese’s Montecito horse ranch listed at $28million and has a pending sale.

Beachfront property continues to be the hottest ticket in town; one of the Forbes 400 recently purchased one beach house and then proceeded to buy his neighbors’ homes for a total purchase of more than $80 million. Our newest beach house listing is a stunning residence on the sand for $43 million.

Aside from mild weather, breathtaking mountain and ocean views, our most valued amenities are the relaxed lifestyle in our relatively safe community—a small town with a surprising amount of culture and sophistication only 90 minutes from the big city.

—Steve Slavin, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

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I have seen Fort Lauderdale transform itself from a legendary Spring Break destination into one of the world’s premier and vibrant coastal cities. It’s an attractive alternative to Miami’s congestion but offers its own brand of world-class shopping, dining and the arts. Moreover, the city showcases a diverse range of lifestyles, from spectacular ocean villas to high-rise condominiums to waterfront suburban neighborhoods with top schools. Elaborate new resort hotels such as the St. Regis, Trump International and W Fort Lauderdale are making the city a cosmopolitan playground, enhanced by its status as the Yachting Capital of the World and its proximity to the Bahamas and other Caribbean islands.

Fort Lauderdale has become such a global destination that I regularly advertise in three currencies. Within half an hour are three international airports and an executive jetport, making access a breeze. For as little as $1 million, you can buy a high-rise oceanfront condo, while ultra-luxury begins at $5 million for waterfront estates. With just 49 properties directly on the sand, Fort Lauderdale Beach is becoming a sought-after and exclusive neighborhood—very possibly the Malibu of tomorrow.

Even though the luxury market is showing signs of improving, it is still a good time to invest. Whereas a couple years ago, a buyer might have limited options, today the inventory is more exciting, varied and value-driven than ever before.

—Julie Jones, Premier Estate Properties

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Donald Trump is seeking to build a $2.5 billion golf resort in Scotland.  This Wall Street Journal report mentions how Trump recently visited his mother’s birthplace on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, with his sister.

USA Today is running a story on incentives brokers are offering to consumers and other Realtors who visit a home. It’s been awhile since an agent needed a bottle of wine or an event to entice buyers and other Realtors to a property but until the boom this was often standard practice, particularly for upscale listings in many areas.  During the last downturn in parts of New England, getting agents to preview new listings was almost impossible so the listing agent often staged an event just to get them to the property and frequently agents would bring buyers to those events as well. 

Hillsborough is rich in two ways—aside from being one of the most affluent communities in the nation, it is also one of the most diverse. Just 20 minutes south of San Francisco, this San Mateo County bedroom community boasts some of the best schools in California, and the children of dedicated parents from around the globe make them increasingly competitive.

Hillsborough is an exclusive enclave of about 11,000 with no commercial zoning, a minimum half-acre lot size and splendid views of San Francisco Bay. Breaking into the Hillsborough lifestyle requires at least $2 million, for which a buyer can expect 3,500-5,000 square feet. More over-the-top luxury begins at about $5.5 million, netting approximately 7,000 square feet of recent vintage construction on a larger lot. Sprawling mansions, including a historic 65,000-square foot spread, can also be found in Hillsborough.

Throughout the past 30 years, financially independent immigrants fleeing repressive governments have invested in Hillsborough, whose hillside vistas are universally appreciated. Persians, Russians, Chinese, Koreans, Filipinos, Indians, and Taiwanese comprise a rich tapestry of cultures that enhances the quality of life in this unique community. About half of all buyers are international, many employed in the high-tech or biotech industries that sustain a robust economy in the Bay Area. In this new era of globalization, sophisticated buyers recognize Hillsborough is blessed by its diversity.

—Anne Riley, Alain Pinel Realtors

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Christina S.N. Lewis’ column in today’s Wall Street Journal features two Idaho ranches owned by William Armsted Robinson, a founder of DHL Worldwide Express delivery. He is asking $17 million for a horse ranch and $15 million for a fishing property.  Read the column here.

John McMonigle of the The McMonigle Group, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, announced yesterday that he is listing the former vacation home of President Gerald Ford in Beaver Creek, Colo. This 7-bedroom, 10,000-square-foot home is being offered to McMonigle Group clients prior to the scheduled completion of renovations in July 2008. It lists for $15,500,000 to $16,500,000, depending upon furnishings.  McMonigle describes the listing as follows:

"When Beaver Creek, Colorado was still in the planning phase in the late 1970’s, President Ford was offered first choice of the single-family lots to build his dream home. Until February 2007, this was the vacation home of the First Family of Vail, and it has been remarkably restored and renovated to reflect the significance of this historic property. To our knowledge, it has been generations since the home of a former President has been offered to the open marketplace…and this is the only one in history to have such a prized location. The home offers unique ski-in/ski-out access, and is within walking distance to all of the amenities of Beaver Creek Village. Last year, the major ski trail that leads to the home was renamed "President Ford’s" in honor of the President after his death.

"While preserving the original space plan of the President and First Lady, every detail of the home has been upgraded to the highest standards of mountain elegance. The indoor swimming pool is the only one ever built within a private residence in Beaver Creek, used by the President twice each day as his exercise in the mountains.

"The President made his last stay in the residence in 2006 "just to see the view from the master bedroom one last time"…a direct view of Beaver Creek’s famed Centennial ski run. The home is filled with memories and stories that will make for unforgettable entertaining…the guest list alone is historic…all awaiting a new family’s personal memories on one of the world’s finest ski resorts. People come to the Vail Valley for the winters…they stay for the summers."

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