Lauderdale Air Show Returns to Thrill Spectators

 
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Photo courtesy of Lauderdale Air Show.

Locals and visitors alike will be looking up at the skies this weekend as the Lauderdale Air Show returns for a fresh, rebranded start after a five-year hiatus.

From beach or ocean, spectators will enjoy thrilling views of extreme aircraft acrobatics by top military and civilian pilots. This year, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the show with patriotic pride along with the U.S. Navy Seals parachute team.  The B-1 Bomber will also make a grand entrance in the waterfront skies.   

Civilian pilots include the Black Diamond Jet Team, GEICO Skytypers and Freestyle Aerobatic World Champion Rob Holland.

The show is free, but premium viewing spots are available near the Air Show Center at A1A and Sunrise Boulevard. A luxe package at the Pelican Grand Resort includes rooftop viewing on the 12th floor, closer to the exciting roar of the powerful aircraft engines and breathtaking aerial maneuvers.

The Lauderdale Air Show opens Friday, April 27 with a take-off party at the Harbor Beach Marriot and runs through Sunday, April 29. Visit Lauderdale Air Show and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information.  For VIP tickets at the resort and other area venues, click here.

– Maria de los Angeles is a freelance wordsmith based in Miami.

An Elegant Night of Song and Art in Fort Lauderdale

 
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(Standing) Diana Kazakova and Giovanni Amenta with (Seated) Michael Battle.

The muses must have been especially pleased on March 27 when renowned Canadian tenor Giovanni Amenta made a special appearance for the Venetian Arts Society at the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale. ONE | Sotheby’s sponsored the event, which also featured soprano Diana Kazakova and Michael Battle at the piano, as well as choir members from the Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theater. The musicians performed among Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces on loan from Florence’s Uffizi museum, one of the greatest collections in the world.

The exclusive, invite-only event highlighted operatic arias, songs from musicals and a even a tribute to Whitney Houston. The children’s choir performed their own composition, inspired by art and creativity.

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ONE | Sotheby's agents at the event.

ONE | Sotheby’s agents attended with clients, joining over 100 guests who enjoyed music and art in the gallery, gathered amid paintings and tapestries set against a royal blue wall.

After the performance, guest gathered for a champagne reception.

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This champagne had a tropical touch -- starfruit as garnish.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS

The Venetian Arts Society’s mission is to generate public appreciation for the arts through exhibitions, performances, lectures and group discussions at monthly art salons.  The group partners with non-profit and for-profit organizations and businesses to create innovative and stimulating programs.

Founded in 1958, The Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale is a major cultural destination located in the dynamic downtown area near the New River, offering world-class permanent collections and exhibits as well as artist-in-residence programs and art classes.

– Maria de los Angeles is a freelance wordsmith based in Miami.

 

 

Fort Lauderdale Women Get Hooked on Fishing

 
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Never too far from the water off Broward's coast. Photo courtesy of Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

It’s all about the water in Fort Lauderdale, a city that boasts over 300 miles of navigable inland canals stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Everglades. Waterfront properties with docks are the norm in this “Venice of the Americas,” boasting multi-million dollar homes off the Intracoastal Waterway.

Fort Lauderdale is a luxury yacht lover’s heaven – a simple glance at the Hyatt Pier 66 Marina reveals ocean-worthy vessels docked off the Intracoastal just a stone’s throw away from Port Everglades, where cruise ships also rest in between voyages.

But the city is also a haven for recreational anglers. Its proximity to the Gulf Stream – a warm and powerful underwater current that flows from the tip of Florida to the North Atlantic – makes it easy for fishermen to be in hundreds of feet of saltwater within minutes.

And it’s not just men who love rod and reel. Gals enjoy the ocean lifestyle just as much as the guys.

LADIES, LET’S GO FISHING

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A happy lady angler with a nice mahi catch. Photo courtesy of Ladies, Let's Go Fishing.

Fort Lauderdale resident Betty Bauman, founder of Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing, knows about living the angler’s lifestyle in South Florida. She founded the seminar series after her husband would complain about her lack of skills during outings on the water. In the “no yelling” school of fishing, women learn how to become better and more independent anglers – sometimes surpassing the fishing abilities of their other halves. Over 6,000 women have graduated from the seminars since 1997.

Some women do hold their own on the high seas with giant beasts from the deep. Marsha Bierman, who has lived in South Florida, developed a revolutionary short rod technique for catching large billfish. Bierman was the first woman to win the 1997 Bahamas Billfish Championship and was a former instructor at Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing.

Today, Bauman teaches Bierman’s technique during the seminar. “You learn how to hang on to a fish that’s bigger than expected,” she told ONE | Sotheby’s over the phone.

But everyday fishing isn’t about competition or extreme angling – it’s about enjoying the environment and targeting some fish species you can even bring to the table.

“Fishing around Florida is different in every city,” Bauman explained. “We make it easy to learn how to fish in every area. In Fort Lauderdale, expect to catch tuna, mahi, wahoo, mackerel and sailfish offshore. There’s also bottom fishing for grouper and snapper.”

With shared interests also comes great camaraderie. “Fishing is a social sport,” Bauman said. “No where else, not even tournaments, do you get to network with other women in a friendly environment where everyone is learning.”

IF YOU GO

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Learning how to cast light tackle. Photo courtesy of Ladies, Let's Go Fishing.

The next South Florida seminar takes place in Dania Beach from Friday, April 20 through Sunday, April 22. The weekend begins with a networking cocktail party on Friday evening, followed by lectures, hands-on fishing skill practices and even a “Dress For Fishing Success” fashion show on Saturday. On Sunday, participants have the option to test their skills on the water with fishing excursions.

Beginner to advanced anglers can learn a variety of techniques in a non-intimidating environment – from knot tying to filleting, hooking bait, casting and much more – from accomplished professionals in the field, including Captain Lee Lavery, a woman who leads a Fort Lauderdale-based Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing chapter. As well, participants become familiar with important regulations from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission. Shopping enthusiasts can enjoy the silent auction, which features fishing trips to exotic destinations, tackle and even fashion items ranging from fishing apparel to sophisticated jewelry designs.

The seminars and fishing trips are reasonably priced and are held at different locations in South Florida throughout the year. For more information about the Broward County event, visit the April seminar information page at Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing.

– Maria de los Angeles is a freelance wordsmith based in Miami.

ONE | Sotheby’s Publishes TRENDS 2011 Year In Review

 

ONE | Sotheby’s has published the 2011 Year in Review edition of TRENDS, which covers every area in South Florida and gives an overview of what happened in each market. From Coral Gables to Fort Lauderdale, TRENDS provides an in depth analysis of sales prices and transactions for both single family homes and condos.

By the end of 2011, Miami made it to the Top 10 Recovery list and now leads other cities as the market continues to shift from balanced inventory to a shortage. The ultra luxury section experiences especially high activity and ONE | Sotheby’s was involved in 3 of 4 sales closed over $20million.

Key observations in TRENDS show that prices are steadily increasing and some micro markets have seen a rise of over 40% compared to the same time in 2010. In Miami-Dade the price per square foot is up 14% and in Broward 3%, signaling a strong real estate recovery even with a lagging economy. The numbers also reflect the heavy influence of foreign and international investments.

The 2011 Year in Review TRENDS report contains more in depth information as well as precise numbers and statistics. To review TRENDS, visit this link: TRENDS 2011 Year In Review. 

#OPENHOUSE Hashtag Helps Promote Open Houses on Twitter

 

The real estate community on Twitter has been rapidly growing for the past year. Industry insiders are using the social media network to make connections that benefit their business and also stay updated on news, market trends and other relevant information. The South Florida Real Estate Twitter community is one of the most active in the country- they created the #MiamiRealEChat, which takes place on a weekly basis and is a platform to discuss real estate topics ranging from neighborhood lifestyles, technology, local politics and more. The #MiamiRealEChat has spread virally and has even caught the attention of journalists, which have highlighted it in articles for The Miami Herald, the South Florida Business Journal and even The Los Angeles Times.

Seeing the success of the #MiamiRealEChat, we would like to introduce the #OpenHouse hashtag as another tool for realtors to optimize their exposure on Twitter. By using the #OpenHouse hashtag followed by the city (example: #OpenHouse #MiamiBeach or #OpenHouse #LongIsland) local house hunters will be able to track your open house, find more information and visit the listings. The #OpenHouse hashtag will complement email and print advertisements and help highlight each cities events.

We are encouraging realtors to start using the #OpenHouse hashtag and help spread it virally across the country. By starting in the most localized form, this simple social media technique has the potential to make great strides in the industry and create a buzz to make people confident in investing once again.

Make sure to use the #OPENHOUSE #CITY Hashtag at your next Open House event.

Follow @ONESIR on Twitter for the latest on South Florida Luxury Real Estate!

Using the #OpenHouse hashtag will attract visitors to local Open Houses

Beth Butler joins ONESIR as President

 

CEO Mayi Vega and President Beth Butler

We are excited to announce that Beth Butler has joined One Sotheby’s International Realty as the company’s president. After serving as consultant for the past year, it is a natural transition for Butler, who plans to expand the brokerage with new offices and innovative marketing strategies. Recently, she strategized the development of the OneSIR iPad application that is becoming a popular selling tool among agents in all areas of South Florida. (Download the FREE app here)

Butler’s forward vision will lead the company with a technology driven approach that will continue to mark the brand as the leader in the South Florida Luxury Real Estate. To read more about Beth Butler’s career and her initiatives for One SIR, read the detailed coverage in the latest edition of the South Florida Business Journal. “One Sotheby’s New President Plans Growth.

Photo by Mark Freerks, courtesy of the South Florida Business Journal

Agents and the Social Media Community Gathered at Ft. Lauderdale Tweet-Up

 

Last Thursday we hosted our second tweet-up at the new Fort Lauderdale offices located right in the heart of Las Olas Boulevard. More than 70+ guests enjoyed sunset cocktails and bites and buzzed about social media, real estate and the new One Sotheby’s iPad app. Miami Beach based associate Alistair Powell was the lucky winner of a brand new iPad, which he will use to blog, tweet and use to show clients full color photographs of luxury properties.

Make sure to follow @onesir on Twitter to stay updated on our next events!

ONE SIR’s Social Media Strategy Featured in The Miami Herald

 

Today’s Business Section of the Miami Herald features a very informative article focused on how the Miami Real Estate industry is using social media to connect with clients, find leads and build business relationships. Our Marketing Director, Bradley Nelson was interviewed and shared insight into the company’s social media initiatives that have been creating buzz among the Twitter and Facebook real estate networks. The article describes that our company is also ahead of the curve by hosting tweet-ups that give unique exposure to listed properties,  ”ONE Sotheby’s has pushed to expand its social media strategy beyond the virtual world, hosting “tweetups” at some of its high-profile listings.”

Our social media efforts have become a fundamental part of our marketing strategy and we’re excited to see our agents using this new media to share industry news, updates and give viral exposure to our extraordinary luxury listings.
To read the entire article click here:  Real Estate Agents turn to Social Media to Connect with Clients by Toluse Olorunnipa

Make sure to follow us on TWITTER: @ONESIR

and ‘Like’ us on FACEBOOK to stay up to date with the latest news on the South Florida Luxury Real Estate Industry: www.facebook.com/onesothebysrealty

Welcome New Associates to the ONE Sotheby’s Realty Team

 

We would like to introduce you to the new agents that have recently joined One Sotheby’s Realty. Each one is a trusted expert in the South Florida luxury real estate market and is prepared to help our clients buy and sell providing excellent service and top professionalism. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome.

You can search our complete directory of associates here: One Sotheby’s Realty Associates

Shirley Pardon

Shirley Pardon

Shirley was born, raised and lived in London, England until she moved with her husband and son to Miami in 1991.  Her husband is one of the world’s foremost decorative (faux) artists and Shirley ran their joint business firstly in London, then New York between 1986 and 1989, finally here in Miami when they relocated.  Needing more of a challenge Shirley felt Real Estate would provide her with an opportunity to represent herself and Miami to overseas clientele, particularly fellow Brits.  “Clients feel comfortable doing business with people who understand their customs and language” she says. Shirley recently joined the Sotheby’s “family” as this is an instantly recognizable name in the international market.  During the Real Estate market downturn, Shirley set about getting educated about her new career.  She earned her GRI diploma, (Graduate of the Real Estate Institute), her TRC (Transnational Realty Certification), CIPS (Certificate of International Property Sales) and her Luxury Home Market certification. She is also an REO (foreclosure) and Short Sale Specialist.  “Even wealthy clients have problems, so it is encumbent upon the agent to be able to help in all spheres of the market”.  Shirley is a professional dedicated realtor, excited to join the prestigious Sotheby’s company and cannot wait to extend her business to her many contacts throughout the UK and Europe.  For all your real estate requirements, call Shirley who will give you her undivided professional attention whether you are buying, selling, leasing, investing, relocating or just looking for a place to hang your hat in paradise!

Arielle Biscayart

Arielle Biscayart

Arielle Biscayart was born in Rome, Italy, raised in Paris, France and moved to Miami in 2004. She worked for over 10 years in the advertising industry in Paris for large magazine publishing and internet service provider companies. Since she has become a South Florida resident, Arielle has sold real estate to a local and international clientele while being involved in the diverse and growing arts community ( she coordinated projects involving event organization, sales and fundraising for various art galleries and museums in Miami ). Arielle offers an extensive experience in selling real estate for an elegant international clientele and art collectors while coordinating events for the South Florida art scene. Therefore, it became obvious for her to join One Sotheby’s International Realty’s office in Miami Beach as an Estate Agent in order to combine her passion for real estate, art, people and luxury living. Arielle is pleased to cater real estate services throughout the United States and the world, working for Sotheby’s Realty, an internationally recognized brand which offers a distinctive service: a strong partnership with the Sotheby’s Art Auction House and a global network of real estate offices around the world. Arielle is proud to provide with superb real estate services to individuals who enjoy a sophisticated lifestyle, inspiring art, architecture, gastronomy, traveling and fine living. www.lookslikehomeblog.com

Kevin Kreutzfeld

Kevin Kreutzfeld

Kevin is energetic with an infectious personality and a natural vision of persistence, integrity and commitment to match the most extraordinary clients with their desired properties. His drive to succeed originates from years of unparalleled personal attention to the real estate industry researching market trends, successful marketing tools and innovative ideas that differentiate a stagnant listing from a successful sale. Kevin is an effective networker, with personal experiences in the upper echelon of clientele from around the world. He is dedicated to providing his clients with detailed excellence and outstanding personal attention.

Daniela Bonetti

Daniela Bonetti

Born and raised in Italy, Daniela Bonetti relocated to Miami Beach in 1993. It wasn’t a business move, it was a purely emotional move and it was the best decision I’ve made, says Daniela. She decided to become a real estate agent few years later, and she has been one of the top performers in the Miami Beach market. Her combination of skill, dedication, expertise and energy has earned her the reputation as a consummate professional, a knowledgeable realtor that gets the deal done efficiently and quickly. She specializes in luxury waterfront condominiums and single family homes. Daniela is one of the most well respected and successful realtors in the Miami and Miami Beach market, often achieving Majestic Property’s top performer status. Her innate intelligence and drive for success make her one of the most sought after professionals around. Being fluent in English, French , Italian, and some Spanish,  makes her the ideal broker for all international customers. She brings an extensive knowledge and experience to the table, as a licensed real estate broker, and is continually a company top listing agent and one of the company’s top ten producers.

Clelia Maufroy

Clelia Maufroy

Owner of a successful PR Agency and prominent expert in Marketing and Public Relations in the International Luxury Goods industry for a decade, Clelia Maufroy brings excellence of service and distinguished customer satisfaction to her real estate career. With a degree in International Business and Marketing, her main objective is to identify the ideal property for each customer, by connecting buyers and sellers between Europe and the US, to great opportunities available in the Miami real estate marketplace. A Miami Beach Resident for more than a decade, she is a natural when it comes to networking and she has established an extensive net worth customer base among the local European community, a winning combination she brings to Sotheby’s International Realty. She credits her proficiency to a dedicated, astute, proactive, and detail oriented personality that allows her to present her clients with a wealth of information and resources to ensure a smooth and effective transaction. Originally from France and raised in more than 10 different countries, she is still a world traveler and thrives in the cosmopolitan culture of Miami. Clelia is fully fluent in both English and French with ample knowledge of Spanish.

Eileen Kedersha

Eileen Kedersha

Eileen is a full time business and Real Estate professional for over twenty years. As a professional Realtor, her qualifications and experience will make your buying or selling experience effective and efficient. Her goal is to find the home of your dreams at the price you want to pay. Alternatively, she will help you sell your home at a price that meets your financial objectives and in the time period that meets your needs. She understands that she must meet your expectations in order to gain your trust and your business. Having worked and lived in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Georgia, she has gained a broad perspective of several real estate markets, which has given her a distinct advantage assisting her clients. She is a detailed oriented professional specializing in the South Florida luxury home and condominium markets. She provides her customers and clients with unparalleled service. She uses a comprehensive approach to marketing Real Estate, employing latest electronic and computer technology, internet exposure as well as all aspects of the media. She is a consistent award winning top producer; a member of the top producers club. She is a Florida resident; a member of the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale; she is conversational in German and Italian. She lived in Switzerland for nine years and she also lived abroad with her aboard their sail boat for three years, while cruising the Mediterranean. Living in Europe has helped her better serve her European clients and assist them in their International Relocation needs. She also has an interior design background. Her new home construction and remodeling experience has also proven to be a valuable asset to clients. Education: Cornell University, Deans List; Professional Designations: SRES Designation she believes in old fashioned, personalized service with the professional follow up her clients have come to expect. No task is too small to help her clients enjoy a positive experience during the process of selling or acquiring a property. If you want results, put her to work for you!

William Kedersha

William Kedersha

William Kedersha, CDPE initial entry into the real estate market began in the 80′s. His experience encompasses sales, site acquisition, obtaining entitlements, construction, turn around properties and financing both residential and commercial projects. One of the first Relators© in South Florida to enter the Short Sale and Foreclosure markets. He has earned his Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation. He has been active in successfully purchasing foreclosure properties for clients. Bill attributes much of his success as a realtor to his working partnership with his wife, Eileen and from his personal investing as a principal combined with over 25 years of sales experience working with Clients. He has participated in all facets of real estate transactions; realtor, buyer, seller, developer and financer. His extensive negotiating experience and business background have strengthened his successful real estate career. He is results-oriented, with strong leadership, negotiating and analytic competence, displaying excellent sales and communication skills with a proven track record. Consistent success has been achieved working with his network of investors and clients. Once engaged by a client, Bill & Eileen’s first step is to identify their client’s needs and objectives. Then an extensive market research is completed, specifically designed to identify suitable competitively priced properties for investors or buyer clients; for our sellers a comprehensive comparative market analysis is completed to price the home correctly in the current market environment. The client’s goals drive the team’s focus and ability to meet clients’ expectations. Working in a broad range of industries and disciplines has given Bill indispensable knowledge that he uses to achieve positive results for each client. He has conducted or facilitated seminars and workshops, both nationally and internationally. Bill has held the position of Chief Executive Officer with several public and private companies. Attention Boaters, Bill & Eileen are experienced cruisers. They lived aboard their 49′ Hallberg Rassy for 3 years in the Mediterranean and have sailed Florida, Bahamas and the Caribbean for over 30 years. We know waterfront properties and will find the perfect home for you and your yacht!

Brian Hero

Brian Hero

Licensed in real estate sales since 1990 and a licensed real estate broker in the State of Florida since 1998, Brian brings a unique investment perspective to the changing real estate market in South Florida.  A multi-million dollar producer now affiliated with One Sotheby’s International Realty, Brian earned a B.A. from Rutgers University and was formerly the Vice President of Real Estate and Acquisitions for a multi-national company.  Brian’s professional and academic background is unique in this business and enables him to provide his clients with sound guidance and a high level of personalized service.  “His expertise and integrity, combined with his diligence, discretion and negotiating skills are unmatched,” says one satisfied client. A resident of Fort Lauderdale since 1995, Brian is also active in the community, having served on the Board of Directors of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival as well as the Sky Harbour East Condominium.  Brian is also a member of the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society and the Tower Club. Brian specializes in listing and selling the finer properties in South Florida, including waterfront with boat dockage.  Satisfied clients include numerous high net worth domestic and international buyers and sellers. For a confidential appointment or more information, please contact Brian at (954) 854-4870 or via e-mail at bhero@onesothebysrealty.com

Save the date: Ft. Lauderdale Tweet-Up on October 7th

 

If you missed our first Tweet-Up earlier this summer, make sure to RSVP for the next that will take place on Thursday, October 7th at our new Fort Lauderdale headquarters. The event will be a dynamic opportunity to network with luxury real estate experts and leaders of the social media community in Broward, while enjoying cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres.

To celebrate the launch of the new One Sotheby’s iPad app, there will be an iPad Giveaway during the event (winner must be present at Tweet-Up) We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Thursday October 7th

Time: 6pm-8pm

Location: One Sotheby’s Ft. Lauderdale Headquarters 888 East Las Olas Blvd, Suite 110, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

To RSVP send a tweet to @ONESIR or email RSVP@workcreateinnovate.com

or visit the Tweetvite Here: http://tweetvite.com/event/ONESIR