Around the Globe with E&V December 2024

Around The Globe With E&V Presented by Jennie Frank Kapoor   Hello, Friends! This month we’re highlighting two amazing sets of advisors, their “Shops” (E&V language for local office), and their local listings from: 1) Kiawah Island and E&V Charleston and 2) Sonoma and E&V San Francisco (presented alphabetically by Shop). You don’t want to miss this – the advisors and their listings are stunning! 😍😍 Enjoy the video preview here and checkout the in-depth feature article below on both incredible opportunities! One again – when selecting where to call my luxury real estate sales business “home,” one of the main attractions to Engel & Völkers was the power of the global brand. This is truly a luxury first brokerage, along with relevant extensions like yachting, that fit the objective of helping provide advice and value to my clients as a lifestyle platform. A lot of brokerages speak about being “global,” but I found E&V to truly follow through with that promise. It’s a tremendous value to my clients, whether buying or selling, to be able to network with global luxury real estate advisors who are experts in their local markets, many of which are feeders to the places I love and work – South Florida and The Bahamas. To illustrate the point, each month I’m highlighting expert luxury real estate advisors from around the globe who I’m proud to call colleagues and actively network with. Whether helping drive exposure to sell a property or mining unique opportunities for purchase, this is the true power of “local expertise with global reach” – not just a catchy mantra (it is catchy, though), but a way of life for this luxury real estate brokerage. E&V Charleston Meet Cynthia Miller   Cynthia Miller started her real estate career in the gracious city of Charleston, S.C., where she grew up and holds real estate licenses in both South Carolina and Georgia. She also has her Associate Brokers License. Over the past decade, she has provided general real estate brokerage services for both buyers and sellers, specializing in luxury, new home, investment, and commercial property sales, as well as business acquisitions. Learn more about Cynthia.   Featured Opportunity – 108 Salthouse Lane, Kiawah Island, South Carolina Exclusive Riverfront Compound with Panoramic Views 10 Bd | 11 Ba | 6,540 SF | Offered at $12,750,000 Welcome to 108 Salthouse Lane, where function meets elegance. This exclusive riverfront compound with picturesque river and golf course views offers multigenerational living at its best. The homesite's allure begins with a welcoming open courtyard elegantly lined with lush native vegetation, mature oak trees, and palmettos ensuring privacy. You are then invited up the steps to an expansive covered porch. Nestled on a secluded 1.48-acre riverfront site, this home is the epitome of luxury offering a plethora of amenities on the main level including a heated, infinity pool surrounded by a huge deck for sunbathing, watching breathtaking sunsets and gazing at the stars, a custom outdoor kitchen for grilling, a full pool bathroom and an outdoor shower…. Learn more about this stunning compound and watch the beautiful property video.   Market Perspective Cynthia is a tremendous wealth of knowledge, rooted from a distinguished career, and it was awesome speaking to her about insights on the local Charleston and Kiawah Island markets: Why do you find Kiawah Island such a special place? South Carolina is filled with breathtaking locales, but Kiawah Island holds a unique charm that sets it apart as an extraordinary place to live. Renowned for its pristine beaches, lush maritime forests, and unparalleled natural beauty, Kiawah Island offers a rare blend of luxury living and a serene coastal lifestyle. The island's thoughtfully preserved landscapes create a haven for nature lovers, with winding trails, native wildlife, and sweeping ocean views that make every day feel like a retreat. Beyond its natural allure, Kiawah Island is a golfer’s paradise, home to world-class golf courses, including the iconic Ocean Course, which has hosted major championships and showcases some of the most dramatic seaside views in the country. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape or an active outdoor lifestyle, Kiawah Island delivers a harmonious blend of both. Adding to its appeal, Kiawah Island is just 25 miles southwest of Charleston, placing residents within easy reach of one of the most vibrant and historic cities in the United States. Charleston’s rich cultural offerings, culinary scene, and bustling arts community bring an added dimension to life on Kiawah. Residents can explore cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old architecture, indulge in world-class dining at award-winning restaurants, or attend lively festivals and performances that make Charleston a hub of creativity and activity. This proximity ensures that while Kiawah provides the peace and beauty of coastal living, residents are never far from the energy and conveniences of an exciting urban center. Together, Kiawah Island and Charleston create a lifestyle that combines the best of coastal luxury and dynamic city living. Why do you feel it’s an attractive time to buy in Kiawah Island? And what’s the buyer profile? Kiawah Island offers a compelling opportunity for buyers seeking luxury coastal living. The island's real estate market currently features a mix of stunning beachfront homes, golf community properties, and serene estates, many of which are competitively priced compared to other premier resort destinations. With ongoing demand for high-end properties in exclusive locations, buyers who act now can secure a piece of this sought-after paradise before inventory tightens further. Additionally, Kiawah’s continued investment in amenities, such as its golf courses, club facilities, and natural conservation, enhances both the lifestyle and long-term value of owning property here. Typical buyers on Kiawah Island often include affluent locals from South Carolina or neighboring states in the Southeast region, particularly Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida. Many are seeking second homes or vacation retreats where they can unwind and connect with nature. Others are relocating permanently to enjoy the island’s tranquility, access to golf and outdoor activities, and its proximity to Charleston’s vibrant culture. Buyers from Atlanta, Charlotte, and even Nashville frequently gravitate to Kiawah for its blend of exclusivity, natural beauty, and the prestige of owning in one of the Southeast’s most desirable luxury enclaves. Please share with us your thoughts and highlights on the local market activity. October 2024 Insights. The single-family market on Kiawah Island showed notable activity in October 2024, albeit with some mixed trends compared to the previous year. New listings fell by 42.9%, dropping from 14 in October 2023 to just 8 this year, indicating tighter inventory. Closed sales also declined slightly, with 11 transactions compared to 12 in the prior year, an 8.3% decrease. Meanwhile, the median sales price experienced a significant 24% drop, falling from $3,225,000 in October 2023 to $2,450,000 in 2024. This suggests potential opportunities for buyers in the luxury segment. However, homes stayed on the market much longer, with days on market increasing by 162.5% year-over-year, from 8 days to 21. Year-to-Date Summary. Year-to-date figures provide a broader perspective on the single-family market dynamics. New listings saw a modest decline of 9.1%, from 77 in 2023 to 70 in 2024, while closed sales grew by 5.7%, rising from 53 to 56 transactions. The median sales price saw a slight decline of 2.1%, reflecting a stabilization trend, while the average sales price increased by 4.7%, reaching $2,950,009. Days on market also climbed year-to-date, averaging 54 days compared to 39 in 2023—a 38.5% increase. Despite these shifts, the high-end segment continues to attract interest, offering both challenges and opportunities for buyers and sellers navigating Kiawah’s unique market. To learn more about the opportunities in Kiawah Island and greater Charleston, please connect with Cynthia. E&V San Francisco Meet Blakely Hull Blakely is the founder of Best Coast Collective and the leader of this insanely talented team. She is proud to be among the top 1% across the Bay Area and the top 1.5% nationwide in real estate sales. Blakely’s business comes exclusively from referrals and their network – because of the exceptional service provided. As a former global leader at Uber, disruption is in Blakely’s DNA. She closely follows the disruption happening in real estate and partners with various organizations to ensure their team are always offering the most cutting-edge services to their clients. Blakely’s motto has always been, “If there’s a will, there’s a way,” and you can count on her team to bring creative, personalized solutions to crush your goals! Learn more about Blakely and her team.   Featured Opportunity – 20600 Broadway Ave, Sonoma, California Sustainable, Four Acre Utopia in the Heart of Wine Country 4 Bd | 5 Ba | 4,534 SF | Offered at $7,965,000 Explore this sustainable utopia, designed by renowned Sutro Architects, nestled on 4 acres only a few minutes from the historic Sonoma Plaza. This eco-friendly paradise features top-tier technologies, including robust solar power, Tesla batteries, a high-yield well, and an innovative water recycling system that nurtures the lush, expansive lawns -all of which contributes to nominal utility costs and low insurance premiums. The interior showcases a grand great room with retractable patio doors, leading to a 25-meter heated pool and spa, fire pit, Pickleball sports court, and beautiful garden areas. The floor plan combines intimacy with grandeur, offering private spaces like a 3-bedroom Northern wing with a media/game room. The Southern wing features the primary suite with panoramic views, plus an office and gym…. Learn more about this incredible property and be sure to check out Blakely’s super fun tour.   Market Perspective Blakely is an extremely well-spoken, energetic and thoughtful wealth of knowledge about the Bay area and Sonoma. Here’s a succinct recap on what she had to say from our conversation: Why is this the right time to buy in Sonoma right now?The Sonoma luxury real estate market presents a unique opportunity for buyers today. Many homes in the high-end market are currently trading at pre-COVID price points, creating significant value for opportunistic buyers. For example, my listing, which was valued at around $10 million in early 2022, is now priced just below $8 million—a compelling discount for those ready to act. Additionally, active listings have increased by approximately 20% year-over-year, giving buyers more options to find their perfect property. What’s the luxury real estate market like in Sonoma currently?The luxury market in Sonoma remains slow following the COVID-era real estate boom. This is particularly true for high-end properties, many of which serve as second homes—a category that often feels like a discretionary purchase. Additional challenges, such as securing insurance for homes in hillside areas, contribute to this slowdown. Homes priced at $6 million or higher are staying on the market longer, often requiring price reductions or being withdrawn entirely. This trend benefits buyers, creating opportunities to negotiate favorable terms. By contrast, properties priced under $1 million are seeing more activity, reflecting a market divergence. The overall median sale price for single-family homes in Sonoma is currently $1.05 million, roughly flat compared to last year. Meanwhile, the luxury segment’s median sale price is $3.1 million as of October 2024, with an average of 140 days on market, a slight improvement from the prior year. What’s the buyer profile for Sonoma property right now? The majority of buyers in Sonoma’s luxury market are Bay Area locals seeking second homes. However, the expanding reach of the Santa Rosa airport is attracting interest from out-of-state buyers as well. New direct flights from cities such as Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Seattle, Portland, Dallas, and Phoenix are making Sonoma more accessible, broadening its appeal to buyers from across the country. What’s something unique and perhaps an underappreciated fact about the property you’re marketing? One thing that is particularly rare about my listing is that it is on city sewer, vs septic, like almost all other properties of this size. This is a huge benefit to buyers and allows for all 4 acres to be usable, rather than worrying about leach fields and other concerns. Another part of this property that is rare is that there is an orchard, with 500 assorted fruit trees. While many people think that they want vines, what they often don't realize is how much work, time, and expense is involved in maintaining and harvesting a hobby vineyard. On the contrary, the orchard on this property, despite only being planted 1.5 years ago, is already bearing lots of fruit and is much more low maintenance.  To learn more about the opportunities offered in both Sonoma and greater San Francisco / the Bay area, I highly suggest you connect with Blakely and her team. *** It was so much fun collaborating with Cynthia and Blakely! I’m so honored to call them E&V colleagues, and it just goes to show the strength of our luxury global network. I hope you enjoyed this issue of Around the Globe with E&V – until next time! With Gratitude, Jennie  

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Around the Globe with E&V November 2024

Around The Globe With E&V Presented by Jennie Frank Kapoor   When selecting where to call my luxury real estate sales business “home,” one of the main attractions to Engel & Völkers was the power of the global brand. This is truly a luxury first brokerage, along with relevant extensions like yachting, that fit the objective of helping provide advice and value to my clients as a lifestyle platform. A lot of brokerages speak about being “global,” but I found E&V to truly follow through with that promise. It’s a tremendous value to my clients, whether buying or selling, to be able to network with global luxury real estate advisors who are experts in their local markets, many of which are feeders to the places I love and work – South Florida and The Bahamas. To illustrate the point, each month I’m highlighting expert luxury real estate advisors from around the globe who I’m proud to call colleagues and actively network with. Whether helping drive exposure to sell a property or mining unique opportunities for purchase, this is the true power of “local expertise with global reach” – not just a catchy mantra (it is catchy, though), but a way of life for this luxury real estate brokerage. This month we’re highlighting two amazing sets of advisors, their “shops” (E&V language for local office), and their local listings from: 1) The Bahamas; and 2) Montreal / Quebec of eastern Canada. E&V Bahamas Meet Alex Jupp (of the Jupp Team) and Sarah Gardner After joining Engel & Völkers in 2017, Alex has specialized in high-end investment real estate with income potential. He finds this type of real estate especially interesting as it "provides a structure of consistency and continuity in all aspects of the product." His dedication to exceptional service continues to wow his clients and peers alike. When he isn't busy selling real estate, Alex can be found enjoying all the Bahamas has to offer with his family. Learn more about Alex. Sarah was born in Nassau and has a twenty-five-year background in interior design and property development. She has worked on high-level projects in both Sydney and London before returning to The Bahamas in 2010 where she lives in Governors Harbour on the beautiful island of Eleuthera. Her twenty-five years of experience in design has given her an acute skill in assessing a property for the best use of space and future visioning to create inspirational places and maximize potential. Learn more about Sarah. Featured Opportunity – Cocodimama Sea-to-Sea Acreage, Eleuthera Discover an exceptional gem in The Bahamas where rare sea-to-sea property meets unparalleled opportunity. This extraordinary 32.45 acre parcel offers a captivating canvas for visionary developers. Nestled with seamless access to the main highway, this prime location embraces Eleuthera's Atlantic and Leeward sides, boasting breathtaking ocean vistas and elevations reaching up to 70 feet. View the property video or learn more about the property and listing details. Offered for $6,500,000. Market Perspective I really enjoyed learning about the local market perspectives from Alex and Sarah who shared the following: Eleuthera is a dynamic destination and has been one of our go-to Bahamas markets for investment and vacation properties for many years now. For example, nearby Romora Bay in Harbour Island sold (with a last asking price of $18M). The local real estate market is reflecting the surge in investment and activity – closed sales for beachfront acreage are on the rise compared to last year, as per The Bahamas MLS. In 2023, we saw properties between 3.86 acres and 7.1 acres that sold. This year [2024], we have seen property sizes between 19.27 acres and 31 acres being sold, which obviously shows an increased appetite for larger properties set on our magnificent beaches. We are not only seeing an increase in sales for this type of property, but the interest in larger plots of land has also increased. Waterfront / Beachfront homes are also doing well. The median sales price in 2023 was $1.2M with a highest recorded sale of $16,950,000. This year, the median sales price is $2,452,000, with the highest recorded sale being $22,500,000, as per The Bahamas MLS.    Eleuthera is popular for vacation rentals and boutique resorts. There is so much potential for beachfront acreages, especially near Governor's Harbour, the commercial hub in Eleuthera. The Cocodimama Sea-to-Sea Acreage is a fantastic opportunity for a visionary developer to enjoy the tailwinds and become part of the Eleuthera growth story. This is illustrated by the $55M injection for upgrades in the North Eleuthera International Airport and the on-going upgrades at The Governor’s Harbour Airport. The area growth story is further supported by Disney Cruise Line’s nearby Lighthouse Point. To learn more about the opportunities and splendors of Eleuthera, including nearby Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, and more, please connect with the Jupp Team and Sarah. E&V Montreal (Quebec) and Pompano Beach (Florida) Meet Marie Gonneville Marie is a well-accomplished luxury residential and commercial agent in Montreal and its surroundings. With more than 15 years of experience in sales and management with luxury brands for companies such as Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH), Marie stands out for her attention to detail, her ability to assess the needs of her customers and the establishment of honest and sustainable relationships.  Marie recently expanded her expertise by acquiring the Engel & Völkers Pompano Beach agency, along with Francisco Garcia, enhancing her ability to serve cross-border clients with unparalleled skill as a broker. This strategic move reflects her commitment to offering comprehensive, top-tier service across multiple markets. Her global network, combined with her distinctive approach to real estate, ensures a professional and dynamic presentation of your property. She excels in implementing innovative marketing strategies, efficient negotiation, and providing high-quality service tailored to meet the most demanding expectations. Learn more about Marie. Featured Opportunity – Kanata Tremblant Lakeside Retreat Located on the navigable shores of Lac de la Mine, this stunning two-story, architecturally distinct residence offers unparalleled luxury and relaxation just 20 minutes from Tremblant Village. The 4 bed / 3.5 bath home covers 3,567 SF on a sprawling 73,526 SF wooded lot, with design and orientation optimized for natural light and scenic views. This property is ideal for nature lovers, skiers, and those seeking a private escape with high-end finishes and access to premium amenities will find this property a refined haven for relaxation and outdoor adventure. Only 1.5 hours from Montreal and Ottawa, it is a haven for relaxation and outdoor adventure. Offered for $2,500,000. For more details, contact Marie Gonneville. Listing provided by Gabrielle Pigeon & Mathieu Desjardins - Engel & Völkers Montreal / Quebec. Market Perspective Marie is an extremely well-spoken wealth of knowledge about both the Montreal area of Canada, as well as the Pompano Beach market of South Florida. Here’s what she had to say: There is a foreign ban on buying regular houses and condos in urban areas, so I have put together an explanation of what it is and how & why Americans should invest in Canada:  Canada Foreign Buyer Ban In January 2023, Canada introduced a two-year ban on foreign residential purchases, primarily targeting urban properties to help improve housing affordability for Canadians. However, recreational properties, such as cottages, cabins, and vacation homes in designated non-urban areas, are exempt from this restriction. This allows American buyers to continue investing in Canada’s beautiful vacation regions—like Quebec’s Laurentians and Eastern Townships—without facing these restrictions.For American investors, this is a strategic advantage, especially considering the favorable exchange rate, which is currently over 40% in their favor. This currency benefit means purchasing Canadian recreational property becomes significantly more affordable, maximizing their purchasing power. Not only do American buyers gain access to Canada’s scenic and serene landscapes, but they also make a sound investment, securing a high-quality property at a comparatively lower cost. With Canada’s landscapes and natural retreats drawing strong interest, investing in a recreational property offers American buyers a unique blend of personal enjoyment and financial value. This exemption and the favorable exchange rate make it an ideal time for Americans to explore Canada’s vacation property market, balancing lifestyle benefits with smart financial leverage. Quebec Real Estate  The Quebec real estate market has shown resilience through 2024, with notable activity in both the luxury and recreational segments. In Montreal’s 2024 real estate market, both luxury homes and recreational properties have shown distinctive trends. The high-end segment, particularly in prestigious areas like Westmount, Outremont, and Hampstead, continues to attract attention. However, inventory has fluctuated due to the federal foreign buyer ban extending to 2027. This has cooled specific segments of the luxury condo market, especially for international buyers from regions like France and Asia. Still, there’s robust demand at the entry-level luxury price point (under $1.4 million), where multiple offers are now standard. Meanwhile, luxury sales in Quebec City have increased by 30.4% year-over-year, although the median luxury home price in Quebec City decreased by about 7.2% to $1.2 million. American buyers are increasingly interested in Quebec’s scenic recreational property options, especially with a favorable exchange rate providing over 40% purchasing power advantage. Quebec’s countryside and lakefront properties are especially appealing, offering investment potential and lifestyle perks. The overall interest in recreational properties remains strong, with U.S. buyers benefitting from the strong dollar to explore second-home opportunities in Quebec.  Pompano Beach Real Estate Outlook for Canadian Buyers: Building Wealth Through U.S. Investments While the current exchange rate may not be as favorable for Canadian buyers as it once was, with the Canadian dollar weakening compared to the U.S. dollar, Canadian investors still have strong reasons to consider Pompano Beach real estate. The area’s luxury real estate market, particularly, continues to offer significant long-term benefits, including opportunities to earn U.S. dollars and build a solid retirement fund. Here’s why: Earning in U.S. Dollars: One of the most compelling reasons Canadian buyers invest in Pompano Beach is the opportunity to earn income in U.S. dollars. While purchasing power may be lower now due to the exchange rate, the ability to generate rental income in American currency can help offset the difference. This is especially beneficial for Canadians looking to diversify their assets and hedge against potential currency fluctuations over time. With Pompano Beach’s increasing demand for short-term vacation rentals, investors can see significant returns by capitalizing on this growing market. Luxury Developments Driving Value: The influx of new luxury properties, such as the Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton Residences in Fort Lauderdale, along with the Residences by Armani/Casa in nearby Miami, is enhancing the region’s real estate market. These branded developments elevate the area’s appeal and set a precedent for high-end living in Pompano Beach. Buyers can invest in luxury condos and homes, knowing that these developments will contribute to the overall growth in property values. Canadian investors, despite the less favorable exchange rate, can benefit from long-term appreciation and the ability to build wealth through real estate. Building a U.S. Retirement Fund:  Many Canadians are turning to Florida for retirement planning, and Pompano Beach, with its beautiful beachfront and upscale amenities, offers an ideal location for second homes or long-term investments. By purchasing property now, investors can secure a retirement asset in the U.S., where property values are expected to continue appreciating due to high demand and ongoing infrastructure investments in the region. With the option to rent out the property when not in use, Canadians can also generate income to help fund future retirement needs, building both equity and passive income over time. Strong Local Demand and Tourism Growth:  Pompano Beach’s transformation continues with significant infrastructure projects, including new beachfront amenities, dining, and entertainment venues. These developments drive local demand and tourism, increasing rental opportunities and helping sustain the local real estate market’s momentum. As more people seek out Pompano Beach as a vacation destination and a long-term residential area, Canadian investors can benefit from the rising popularity and demand for high-end real estate in this growing community. Despite the current exchange rate challenges, investing in Pompano Beach real estate offers Canadians the opportunity to build wealth in U.S. dollars, enjoy strong rental returns, and set the foundation for a secure retirement fund. With new developments like the Waldorf Astoria, Ritz-Carlton, and Armani Residences, the area’s luxury market is poised for continued growth, making it a solid investment for those looking to diversify their portfolios and enjoy the benefits of owning property in a premier Florida destination. To learn more about the opportunities offered in both Montreal (Quebec) and Pompano Beach (Florida), I highly suggest connecting with Marie to speak in greater detail. Until next time! With Gratitude, Jennie

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