The developer of 1200 Hillsboro Mile, the new ocean-to-Intracoastal condominium residences along the prestigious “Mile” in Hillsboro Beach, Fla., announces the release of 18 residences within a planned oceanfront building. The 11-unit building bordering the Intracoastal Waterway is already completed and partially sold and occupied.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of pre-construction pricing directly on the ocean, especially because these condominiums provide exceptional value and there is no other new condominium construction taking place in this area, which is central to Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton,” said David DePaolo, executive vice president with West Seneca N.Y.-based Marrano/Marc Equity Corporation.

Nita Summers, associate broker at Keyes Company Realtors at Mizner Park in Boca Raton, the exclusive sales agent for 1200 Hillsboro Mile, concurs. “Our buyers recognize that they will never see prices like this again for prime waterfront property. In addition, the developer has secured access to financing for qualified buyers who want it.”

The newly released oceanfront residences are offered at pre-construction price points from $1,295,000 to $1,995,000.  The five remaining residences within the Intracoastal building are available for immediate occupancy, starting from $650,000 upward to $1,149,900.

Two floor plan options are offered at 1200 Hillsboro Mile, each with three bedrooms, two and one-half baths, more than 2,000 total square feet and large, covered terraces.

1200 Hillsboro Mile has completed amenities that include an Intracoastal dock for overnight visitors’ boats; a pool, pool house and spa; a designer-furnished lobby; a club/media room with an outdoor entertainment deck; a fitness center; and private, deeded beach access.

Summers pointed out that monthly homeowners fees are very reasonable compared to fees charge in larger, full-service buildings. “This, too, is a draw for many of our buyers because they don’t want to be strapped with exorbitant fees, particularly if 1200 Hillsboro Mile is used as their vacation residence,” she explained.

She was quick to point out that some buyers are living at 1200 Hillsboro Mile year round, while others are “snowflakes” who visit frequently, as well as investors who anticipate long-term financial gains from their purchases.

1200 Hillsboro Mile is situated in the town of Hillsboro Beach, a small peninsula just over three miles long. Though it has a quaint village residential feel, it is convenient to world-class restaurants, shopping and entertainment.  In 30 minutes or less, residents can be at the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, Port Everglades, or the Boca RatonTown Center mall.

For more information, call (954) 418-8033, or visit www.1200hillsboromile.com.

2010 Miami Int’l Boat Show & Strictly Sail Miami makes waves with thousands of boats, deals

New features include an appearance by the star of National Geographic’s ‘Expedition Great White,’ product unveilings, Big Boat Row, and more

Miami, Fla. – February 1, 2010 – The 69th annual Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail Miami cruises into town February 11-15, 2010, where new and experienced boaters from throughout the world can gather in one place to view, board and buy the best the boating industry has to offer. With special deals on everything from sportfishers, sailboats and mega-yachts to engines and the newest electronics, the 2010 Miami International Boat Show is the ideal place to shop, save and enhance every boating experience.

The five-day event draws tens of thousands of visitors each year and hosts more than 2,000 exhibitors from around the world, filling the Miami Beach Convention Center and Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center with thousands of boats and hundreds of booths showcasing the latest gear and accessories.  And for the first time ever, powerboat and sailing enthusiasts can gather in one location to see the best of everything as Strictly Sail Miami moves from its traditional venue at Miamarina at Bayside to Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center, joining forces with the Miami International Boat Show’s powerboat in-water location.

“There is no other boating event in the world that provides boating enthusiasts with the opportunity to shop the best and biggest selection of boats and accessories at unprecedented deals,” noted Cathy Rick-Joule, vice president of southern shows. “With thousands of products to choose from in one of the best boating destinations, the Miami International Boat Show is THE destination to find out why life is better with a boat, continuing to give boaters something for every lifestyle and budget.”

In addition to the vast selection of boats and marine accessories for sale, there are plenty of activities boaters of all ages can enjoy throughout the five-day event.

Features of the 2010 Miami International Boat Show include:
·         Affordability Pavilion – Boating is more budget-friendly than you may think! The Affordability Pavilion is returning for the 2nd year, showcasing boats for those with smaller budgets, highlighting pricing options and displaying boats that visitors can finance for $250 or less.
·         Big Game Room – The Big Game Room is celebrating its 7th year as the one-stop marketplace for every angler.  With new exhibits, the latest fishing products and destinations, activities and daily seminars from the pros, the Big Game Room is a must.  Have a drink at the Marlin Bar while waiting for the next educational seminar to begin or take a walk over to the interactive Bait Rigging Station, where visitors can improve their rigging techniques.
·         Discover Boating Center – This one-stop resource for new boaters is staffed by experts who can answer any boating question and offer advice on the best course to choosing a boat that’s perfect for your lifestyle and budget.
·         NEW! Expedition Great White: An Evening with Chris Fischer, Expedition Leader – The Miami International Boat Show’s Big Game Room is hosting “An Evening with Chris Fischer,” professional angler and Expedition Leader on National Geographic’s ground-breaking new show, Expedition Great White. Fischer will appear in the Big Game Room on Friday, February 12 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. to talk about the expedition and his experiences getting up close and personal with one of the most dangerous and fascinating creatures on the planet. Visitors will also be able to see a replica of one of the Great White’s caught during the Expedition. Fischer will be available for a Q&A with his audience and an autograph signing after his presentation.
·         NEW! FIRST MATES Course by the U.S. Coast Guard (Saturday, Feb 13 and Sunday, Feb 14 ONLY) – For the first time, the Miami International Boat Show is offering the United States Coast Guard’s FIRST MATES course in the Big Game Room Feb 13 and 14 from 10:15-11:45 a.m. The course will teach what every skipper’s right hand man should understand while underway; topics include boater’s language, basic navigation rules, environmental protection and more.
·         NEW! Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion (room 2700) – Boating enthusiasts and art aficionados can meet marine legend Dr. Guy Harvey in the new Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion in addition to shop the largest collection of Guy Harvey artwork, apparel and merchandise ever available at the show. Dr. Guy Harvey is celebrating his 25-year career as a world-renowned artist, photographer, diver and scientist and was recently inducted into the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame.
·         Miami Herald Discover Boating Photo Contest – How did you Discover Boating?  Sponsored by the Miami Herald, visitors to the show are encouraged to submit their best photos of how they discovered boating for a chance to win an Adirondack Pack Boat and a $500 show shopping spree.  Send them to the show office or bring them to the Discover Boating Center at the show.  All entries must be received by Saturday, February 13 at 4:00p.m.  Visit MiamiBoatShow.com for more details.
·         Miss GEICO – Miss GEICO is back! The world’s fastest offshore racing boat, powered with the same turbine engines that flew missions in the first Gulf War and can reach speeds of more than 185 miles per hour, will dazzle any boating enthusiast with a need for speed.
·         New product introductions, one-of-a-kind innovations – Get an exclusive sneak peek at the newest boats, cutting edge technologies and must-have accessories throughout the show floor as exhibitors from all over the world showcase their latest and greatest. Boat show “must-sees” include the U.S. unveiling of a Mercedes-inspired Cigarette racing boat; the introduction of Al Copeland’s Phenomenon racing boat, a beauty boasting to beat Miss GEICO; the world’s only amphibious boat, SeaLegs; and more. Click here for a sampling of new products that will be featured at the show.
·         NEW! Pre-Show Shopping – The Miami International Boat Show’s newest online offering allows attendees to pre-shop the 2010 show for the greatest deals on the newest boats by visiting MiamiBoatShow.com.  Show goers can plan ahead and search boats by brand, model and more, in addition to scheduling dealer appointments onsite or at the dealership.
·         SpongeBob Squarepants appearance – Meet Bikini Bottom’s favorite resident! Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants is making a special appearance at the show and will be on hand Saturday, February 13 ONLY, to meet and greet fans.
Features of the 2010 Strictly Sail Miami portion of the show include:
·         Author’s Corner – Stop by the Author’s Corner and visit with one of your favorite story tellers and pick up the latest adventure novels. Visit StrictlySailMiami.com for a list of participating authors.
·         NEW! Big Boat Row – Looking for the BIG sailboats? Begin the day at Sea Isle Marina, then head over to Bayside Marina by way of Strictly Sail Miami’s FREE water taxi service to view some of the largest sailboats and catamarans featured at the show. Lagoon America, Leopard, Prout, Seawind Catamarans, Hylas, Passport and others will all have boats on display at Big Boat Row.
·         Daily Sailing Seminars – Visitors can hone their skills and receive tips for enhancing their sailing experiences through a daily series of nearly 100 FREE seminars led by renowned experts.
·         NEW! Eric Stone Band, Live on Feb. 13 – Don’t miss the Eric Stone Band live on Saturday night, February 13 during the 5th annual Latitudes & Attitudes Miami Cruiser’s Bash. Enjoy the tropical sailing sounds of the popular group on stage with free pizza and beverages. Everyone is invited! Concert goers must be inside the Strictly Sail gate on Saturday night by 6:00pm. So come early, enjoy the boat show and stay for the concert. Latitudes & Attitudes TV will be on hand to record the concert for a one-hour special to air later.
·         FREE Sailboat Rides presented by Discover Sailing (Pier 5, Sea Isle Marina) – Stop by the Discover Sailing tent to experience sailing first-hand with free half-hour sails along Biscayne Bay with a skipper. Sign up early as boats fill quickly.
·         Kids Aboard Boatbuilding Workshop (16th Street Festival Area) – Kids are invited to help build a 10-foot wooden boat, which will be launched to sail at the show on Monday, Feb. 15. Visit ww.kidsaboard.com for more information.
·         Two Day Marine Meteorology Weather Course (Level 1) by Lee Chesneau – For serious skippers, Lee Chesneau’s two-day marine meteorology weather seminar series, Feb. 14-15, is a must!  Chesneau’s 38 years of forecasting marine weather and strategic route planning on a global, synoptic, and local scale for mariners has been now successfully transferred to the classroom where he takes sailors step by step toward understanding both the ocean and atmospheric environment of any waters. Course fee is $325; attendees can find more information and sign up at StrictlySailMiami.com.

Show details:

When:              Thursday, February 11, through Monday, February 15, 2010
Thursday, Feb. 11 (Premier Thursday): 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, Feb.12-Sunday, Feb.14: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Monday, Feb.15: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily

Where:             Miami Beach Convention Center
1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach

Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center
NEW FOR 2010 – Now home to Strictly Sail Miami in addition to the Miami International Boat Show’s in-water display.
1635 North Bayshore Drive, Miami

Admission:       Premier Day (Feb. 11): $30
Adults: $16
Two-day adult pass (valid Feb. 12-14): $30
New! Five-day adult pass (valid Feb. 11-15): $75 – a $19 savings!
Youth (ages 13-15): $6.00
Children under 12 get in FREE

Tickets include a one-year magazine subscription to one of the following: Yachting, Motorboating, Salt Water Sportsman, Islands or Cruising World ($10.00 value)

Advance tickets can be purchased at MiamiBoatShow.com or StrictlySail.com.

Parking:           FREE South Beach shuttle-bus service connects show locations with more than 15,000
parking spaces.

Park and Ride service is available from the America Airlines Arena with continuous
service to both show sites. The daily rate is $10.

Valet parking is available on a first come, first served basis at the Miami Beach Convention Center for $15 per day. The valet drop-off is located on Washington Ave at the Fillmore Theater entrance.

Info:                 Call (954) 441-3220 or visit MiamiBoatShow.com or StrictlySailMiami.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  Members of the media are encouraged to visit MiamiBoatShow.com to sign up for a media badge; preview photos, interviews and additional info are available by contacting Sarah Ryser at 312-946-6285 or sryser@nmma.org.

Twitter – Follow us @MiamiBoatShow.

Facebook – Become a fan of the Miami Boat Show & Strictly Sail Miami for additional updates.

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About the Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail Miami
The Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail Miami is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows.  NMMA is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry in North America. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. For more information visit www.nmma.org.

Porto Cupecoy, the 182-residence luxury seaside village developed by Orient-Express Hotels Ltd., will be holding a Grand Opening event on-island on Friday, January 29. The white glove marina, luxury residences, gourmet restaurants and shops will welcome the first owners in the coming weeks. Porto Cupecoy is offering special pricing and incentives on remaining residences through the January 29 Grand Opening.

For those press interested in attending Friday’s festivities, the schedule of event is as follows:
12noon – 5:00pm        Consumer open house
5:00pm                       Press tours of Porto Cupecoy
7:00pm                       Speeches by Filip Boyen, VP Operations for Orient-Express Hotels, Bernard Sarme and Commissioner William Marlin
Cocktail reception in central plaza

To RSVP for the event, please contact info@portocupecoy.com.

Orient-Express Director of Global Real Estate, Phillip Gesue was recently quoted as saying “…sales volume continues to build at an unprecedented rate with more than 10 units sold over the past weeks in anticipation of our Grand Opening.”  Also fueling second-home sales are the project’s attractive price points, which range from USD $400,000 to $2.8 million per unit, thanks to pre-opening discounts and other pre-grand opening incentives such as 90% financing and two year’s complimentary homeowner’s association fees.

There are many factors contributing to the appeal and successes of Porto Cupecoy. Porto Cupecoy is the finest quality new development in the Caribbean, with tasteful European design including giant marble or travertine bathrooms, Viking stainless steel appliances, teak wood kitchens, oversized balconies and mahogany interior doors and millwork. Dutch St. Maarten offers a variety of highly-unique financial benefits for buyers, including no property taxes, no capital gains taxes, and lower than average closing costs for purchase. Additionally, non-stop flight service to St. Maarten has increased, making the destination one of the most accessible islands in the Caribbean. Finally, unlike many other condominium communities, Porto Cupecoy benefits from a large contingency of primary home buyers who are trading up to Porto Cupecoy from their primary homes elsewhere in St. Martin, St. Barts and the Caribbean, ensuring that the development will turn into a real community.

Located in the Caribbean’s Netherlands Antilles, Porto Cupecoy embodies the characteristics of a true Mediterranean village with high-end shopping, dining, services and amenities, in addition to residences and a luxury marina.  The architectural inspiration for the property is Portofino, located on the Italian Riviera, and the community is similarly anchored around a marina, the most exclusive and upscale on the island.

The marina has a unique structure in that the majority of yacht slips will be owned by the community’s residents, and rented on their behalf by the marina management when they are not in use. Prices for yacht slips, including mega yacht slips up to 200 feet in length, range from USD $150,000 to $3 million.

Homeowners will be able to enjoy a wide range of on-site amenities, including tennis courts, swimming pools, several dining options, as well as concierge and “white glove” marina services. For residents interested in renting out their home or boat slip while not in use, the community has its own dedicated professional onsite vacation rental management program, creating hassle-free rental revenue for owners.  The beach is immediately across the street, 50 yards from the community’s entrance.

For more information on Porto Cupecoy or to watch a “fly thru” preview video, please visit www.portocupecoy.com.

KONA, Hawaii, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ — Concierge Auctions (www.conciergeauctions.com), the leading luxury real estate auction company, today announced the sale of Cher’s home in the exclusive Hualalai Resort in Hawaii to a buyer from Arizona for $8.72 million. The January 18 auction included the successful sale of five properties in Kona, Hawaii, for a total of more than $19.4 million.

In addition to Cher’s home, a property at 72-3209 Ka Nehe Place in the Kuki’o Golf and Beach Club and Residences selling absolute was purchased by a buyer from Beverly Hills for $4.95 million. A second home selling absolute in Kuki’o, at 72-3205 Punaloa Place, was purchased for $3.85 million. Collectively, the prices achieved for the homes in Kuki’o were $10 per square foot higher than the average price per square foot for other homes sold in the Maniniowali section of Kuki’o over the past six months. Additionally, two home sites in Kuki’o sold for $990,000 and $962,000, respectively.

Read More…

Rumors have swirled for weeks about the future of the Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort and Conference Center. Yesterday, Wesley Finch, chairman of the Florida-based Finch Group, which has owned a 43 percent share of the resort since 1993, confirmed a purchase-and-sale agreement had been signed. Read more…

SARASOTA, FL, January 15, 2010 — Sarasota Florida real estate sales continue to march upward bucking the national trend. This beautiful city on the South West coast of Florida offers its residents warm weather, sunny skies, world-famous beaches, sophisticated shopping, and an… (Click for full release)

The 5,200 square foot Mediterranean-style house was built in 1935 and boasts four bedrooms and five bathrooms.

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While the entrepreneur has his eye on space, his 105-foot catamaran, named Necker Belle, will be available to charter in the Caribbean next month for $88,000 a week.

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First homeowners move in to this award-winning community

BURBANK, Calif., Jan. 12, 2010 – Luma, the first full-ownership, active adult beachfront community in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, announced the opening of Tower One, featuring ocean views, well-appointed homes and extensive resort-style amenities.

Located on the beach of the Bay of Banderas in Nuevo Vallarta, 15 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta Airport, Luma is a resort-living community for those 50 years old and over. Its design received the 2009 Silver Award from the National Association of Home Builders 50+ Housing Council in the “Best Active Adult Community On the Boards” category.
“It is very exciting to see Luma’s first residents move into the community,” said Bill Jennings, president of Burbank-based Front Porch Development Company. “Today’s fifty-plus buyers are sophisticated and want the world-class amenities and adventure of a top resort with the wellbeing focus and community spirit of an active adult community. Luma represents a new model designed specifically to fulfill the growing demand.”

Luma’s Tower One showcases bold contemporary Mexican architecture and features sweeping ocean and mountain views. Each beachfront condo has an open-concept floor plan with a foyer, living room with a natural stonewall, dining area, floor-to-ceiling glass walls and wrap-around terraces. The community features a saltwater infinity pool, meditation gardens, art gallery, enrichment classrooms, fitness and wellbeing center, sports lounge, oceanfront dining, Internet café, Personal Lifestyle Concierge Program, and much more.

Luma’s location, within the master-planned resort community of Paradise Village, provides residents with privileged access to a challenging 18-hole golf course, sports club, spas, restaurants and bars, and nearby shopping. Add to this American-quality health care, high-speed Internet and an English-speaking staff, and Luma is an idyllic coastal community.

The surrounding area has much to offer, including the rich culture of Puerto Vallarta: its restaurants, history, markets, galleries and more. It’s this lifestyle, combined with the cost of beachfront homes — which is generally lower than comparable options in the U.S. — that continues to attract baby boomers south of the border. New residents Pat and Lynn Lane moved into Tower One recently and commented, “[Luma] has unbelievable ocean views. What sets it apart is the appeal of easy adaptation to Mexico for older Americans who want access to the weather, waterfront living and an opportunity to experience Mexican culture.”

Pricing on remaining condos begins at USD $537,000 for a one bedroom plus den floor plan. Tower Two is scheduled to open in March 2010. For more information, call the Luma sales team toll-free at 1-866-554-LUMA (866-554-5862) from the U.S. and Canada or 322-226-7290 from within Mexico; go to www.LumaLiving.com; or visit the sales studio and model home.

Luma was developed through a partnership between two established companies known for high-end product: U.S.-based Front Porch Development Company and Mexico-based Grupo Krone. Luma meets the highest construction standards, comparable to top-rated buildings in the U.S. A live webcam on Luma’s site offers a front-row seat to the first images of the completed Tower One and progress on Tower Two.

Front Porch is dedicated to enhancing the lives and lifestyles of active adults by offering resort-style communities with a broad range of amenities and services that ‘celebrate the art of the individual.’

Grupo Krone is a housing and land development company with 21 years of experience and a diverse portfolio of award-winning developments throughout Mexico and the U.S.

As partners, Front Porch and Grupo Krone believe in the importance of developing communities that are economically sound, environmentally responsible and supportive of a community spirit.

Click here for the entire story.