Pacific Medical Buildings Selects Grubb & Ellis as Leasing Agent of Future Shady Creek Medical Center in Newport Beach, CA

NEWPORT BEACH, CA (Aug. 8, 2011) – Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE), a leading real estate services and investment firm, today announced that Pacific Medical Buildings has selected the company’s Healthcare Properties group to lease the future Shady Creek Medical Center (middle  centered rendering). 

Scheduled for completion in 2013, the center is a four-building Class A development that will offer 150,000 square feet of medical office space. 

 Garth Hogan, senior vice president and the group’s director, along with David Kluver, associate vice president, and John Scruggs, associate, will service as leasing agents of the center.

 “A growing trend in the healthcare industry has been a rise in consolidations among medical groups, which has created a need for larger blocks of medical office space,” said Hogan.

 “This project provides medical users large medical office suites at a state-of-the art site that otherwise are not available in the Irvine area.  Adding to its attractiveness, Shady Creek Medical Center will be developed and managed by one of the premier medical office building development firms in the western U.S.”

According to CoStar, one of the leading commercial real estate information companies in the U.S., there are currently only three existing Orange County properties that have available medical office space sized larger than 10,000 square feet. 

 Shady Creek Medical Center will include three two-story medical office buildings, each comprising 50,000 square feet, and a 7,200-square-foot building designed for retail and commercial uses.  The property will offer a parking ratio of five spaces per 1,000 square feet. 

 Located at the intersection of Sand Canyon and Alton Parkway, Shady Creek Medical Center will be adjacent to Hoag Orthopedic Institute (middle left photo), which has 70 beds and nine operating rooms, and Hoag Hospital Irvine (middle right photo), an 84-bed inpatient and outpatient hospital with intensive care, medical-surgical, cardiology, anesthesia care and emergency services that opened in fall 2010.

The property is also within walking distance of Kaiser Permanente Irvine Medical Center and offers easy access to Interstate 5 and 405, as well as California State Route 133. 

 San Diego-based Pacific Medical Buildings, the developer of the property, specializes in the development and management of medical office buildings, outpatient facilities and parking structures for hospital, medical groups and universities in the western U.S.

 Its management affiliate, PMB Real Estate Services, will provide local professional property management for Shady Creek Medical Center.  Pacific Medical Buildings currently has seven projects under development totaling approximately 500,000 square feet.

 “With the strength of the medical office sector, there is incredible opportunity for developments such as these, especially when they are situated near renowned medical operators like Hoag and Kaiser Permanente,” said Mark Toothacre (lower left photo), president of Pacific Medical Buildings.  “We are looking forward to bringing the expertise of our professionals to the development of this medical office and retail project.”

 For more information, call 949.608.2000, or contact Hogan at garth.hogan@grubb-ellis.com,

Kluver at david.kluver@grubb-ellis.com or

Scruggs at john.scruggs@grubb-ellis.com. 

 Contact:  Julia McCartney, Phone: 714.975.2230                                     

Email:  julia.mccartney@grubb-ellis.com        

BuildingIQ Awarded $1.2 Million Federal Grant to Reduce Building Energy Consumption in Sydney, Australia

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BuildingIQ, a leading energy management software company, has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from Commercialisation Australia, an initiative of the Australian federal government.

With this grant, the largest awarded among 13 companies, BuildingIQ will expand its offerings to continue to redefine the way energy is managed in commercial buildings.

As the recent heat waves across the country have shown, power grids are struggling to cope with increasing energy demand.

Much of this demand is from Commercial buildings which consume 20 percent of all power and with the downturn in the sector, are struggling with growing energy costs.

 BuildingIQ’s software is providing relief by reducing energy costs and peak power loads in commercial buildings -- without costly upgrades or capital expenditures. Building managers can also take advantage of demand reduction incentive programs by automating DR events with minimal risk to tenant comfort. BuildingIQ enables smarter, more profitable buildings.

“With this funding, we look forward to extending our presence around the world, and working with the industry to enable smarter buildings to connect to a smarter grid,” said Mike Zimmerman (top right photo), CEO of BuildingIQ.

“The future of energy management is proactive optimization – basically a more intelligent, more profitable way to manage energy in commercial buildings. We are privileged to have been recognized by the Australian government as a pioneer in our field and look forward to further expanding our product offerings.”

Contacts

Vantage Communications for BuildingIQ

Tory Patrick, +1-202-558-9826

tpatrick@pr-vantage.com

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust Enters into Contracts to Sell Industrial Portfolio

ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (WRIT) (NYSE: WRE) has entered into several contracts with a single buyer to dispose of its entire industrial portfolio as well as two office assets.

 The assets to be sold comprise a total of approximately 3.1 million square feet. The sales prices under the contracts aggregate to $350,000,000.

The assets to be sold consist of 16 industrial assets (comprising the entirety of WRIT’s industrial division) along with the Crescent and Albemarle office buildings.

The contracts consist of five separate purchase and sale agreements, each covering one or more separate assets.

Three of the contracts (which aggregate to $235.7 million of assets) are expected to close on or about September 1, 2011. An additional contract (representing $44.6 million of assets) is expected to close on or about October 3, 2011. The final contract (representing $69.7 million of assets) is expected to close on or about November 1, 2011.

 Each of the contracts represents a separate binding obligation to purchase the associated assets. The escrow deposits under the contracts aggregate to $20 million.

"In initiating these sale transactions, WRIT has taken a major step towards executing on a strategic goal we set for ourselves at the beginning of the year.

 “Having our industrial portfolio under these contracts enables us to focus our attention on redeploying expected sales proceeds in assets that better fit our long term strategy of acquiring properties inside the Beltway, near major transportation nodes and in areas with strong employment drivers and superior growth demographics," stated George F. “Skip” McKenzie (top right photo) President and Chief Executive Officer of WRIT.

 “We’re delighted to be moving forward with our strategic plan at this current pace.”

Contacts

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (WRIT)

William T. Camp

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Tel: 301-984-9400

Fax: 301-984-9610

bcamp@writ.com

www.writ.com

Cushman & Wakefield Retained to Handle Sale of 14,845 Acres in Coastal Georgia

  

ATLANTA, GA – Aug. 8, 2011 – Cushman & Wakefield announced today that, together with their Savannah-based Alliance partner, Gilbert & Lattimore Commercial Real Estate, it has been retained to handle the sale of nearly 15,000 undeveloped acres located just north of the Georgia/Florida state line in Camden County, Georgia.

The Cushman & Wakefield land brokerage team of Ron Willingham (top right photo), Matt Hawkins (middle left photo)and Pierce Owings (lower right photo), along with Harvey Gilbert, Bill Lattimore, and Stephen Ezelle of Gilbert & Lattimore, will market the land, which boasts a unique master plan with a wide range of uses, as well as one of the most well-managed timber inventories in the state.

 “This tract pairs the best of both worlds for an investor looking to protect against downside while also capturing the appreciation this growth corridor is sure to realize during the next cycle,” said Mr. Owings, a senior associate at Cushman & Wakefield, based in the firm’s Atlanta office.

Media Contact:

Catherine Langell - Cushman & Wakefield

404-853-5217 – catherine.langell@cushwake.com

Marquis Residences in Downtown Miami Reaches 70 Percent Sold

Miami, FL – Aug/ 8, 2011 – Downtown Miami’s newest luxury condominium, the magnificent Marquis Residences (top left photo), recently reached a significant milestone of being 70 percent sold. Located at 1100 Biscayne Boulevard, the 67-story high-rise – the tallest of any residential building on Biscayne – remains red-hot among both brokers and buyers.

“Reaching this remarkable milestone in a short amount of time is a testament to the uniqueness of Marquis Residences,” says Alicia Cervera (middle right photo) of Cervera Real Estate, the exclusive sales and marketing firm for Marquis.

“Between the product that Marquis delivers and the efforts of the onsite sales team – along with technology advances – there was no doubt in my mind that we wouldn’t reach impressive numbers with exceptional speed.”

With the introduction of the custom-designed iPad Sage app, Marquis Residences’ newest high-tech sales tool, brokers can now offer international clients remote, in-depth tours of specific homes, allowing interested buyers to visit Marquis without physically entering the building or even Miami.

“Sage’s 3D-generated look creates an up-close, panoramic experience, with vivid views that were previously accessible only in-person,” notes Lori Ordover (middle left photo), managing member of The Ordover Group, sales and marketing consultant for Africa-Israel USA.

“One recent buyer purchased his residence based solely on experiencing the home – its views, finishes as well as the building’s amenities by viewing it on the Sage iPad app.”

At Marquis Residences, 60 percent of buyers are foreign, with the bulk being Brazilians. Other buyers hail from Italy, Singapore and France. Although Brazilians are increasingly buying up properties throughout South Florida, Marquis is uniquely attractive because of its relatively small scale – 292 units as opposed to nearby properties which house as many as 1,800 condominiums in one development.

And, with increased interest from the overseas community, Americor Mortgage has begun handling the international loans, providing speedy approval processes and faster closing times. Buyers are now closing in 15-20 days through Americor, compared to the traditional bank route that can take well over a month.

“It’s a hassle-free and speedy process that Americor Mortgage has provided for our international buyers and we’re delighted to be working with them,” continues Ordover. “We are seeing buyers from Venezuela, Columbia, Greece, Italy and many more thanks to the addition of Americor.”

Marquis Residences consists of single-level homes, duplex townhouses and suites, all furnished with high-end stainless steel Viking appliances in European-style gourmet kitchens, including a choice of teak, zebrano and other exotic natural wood cabinetry. All bathrooms are by Sand Studio and feature Duravit Starck water closets and double sink.

Residents have access to luxury five-star hotel services, including concierge, security, valet, housekeeping and room service. An 8,000-square-foot spa and fitness center overlooks the Biscayne Bay, while the 14th floor sky pool and private balconies offer stunning views of the city below.

There is private elevator access to many of the homes and residents can dine out at Tempo Miami’s chic Amuse Restaurant & Lounge (lower right photo), or enjoy their full menu in the privacy of their own homes.

Homes start at $590,000 for a 1,477-square-foot two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath residence and go up to $2.2 million for a 3,017-square-foot, two-and-a-half bedroom, two-and-a-half bath duplex penthouse. 

For more information, contact the sales office at 305-571-4000, visit www.Marquis-Miami.com or stop by the sales office at 1100 Biscayne Boulevard.

www.afigroupglobal.com

Contact:

Robin Dolch; Robin@hundredstoriespr.com

Robin Diamond; Rdiamond@hundredstoriespr.com

Latino Hotel Association Forms Strategic Partnership with FreemanGroup

                             

HOUSTON, TX, Aug. 8, 2011—Officials of the Latino Hotel Association (LHA), the global  organization dedicated to expanding Latino ownership, leadership, and commerce in the hotel industry, today announced the formation of a strategic partnership with FreemanGroup, a company offering integrated consulting support to the travel and hospitality industries.

 Under the partnership, FreemanGroup will license to LHA online hotel operation products focusing on property-level employee resources, job training, certification, and measurement services in English and Spanish.

 LHA will provide these resources through its website, http://www.latinohotelassociation.com/, to members at a 25 percent discount in either PDF or standard text formats.

“FreemanGroup is well-regarded in the hospitality industry for creating and providing the highest quality associate training,” said Angela Gonzalez-Rowe (top right photo), president and founder of LHA.

 “The dynamics of the hospitality industry in Latin America are quickly changing from independent properties to internationally-branded hotels.  These courses provide state-of-the-art instruction in English and Spanish to best train participating associates.  We look forward to building on LHA’s new relationship with FreemanGroup for years to come.”

 “Latinos have steadily become one of the largest groups working in the hospitality industry today, yet due to language barriers, they often lack the tools necessary to fully implement their duties and prepare for advancement,” said Bill Freeman (lower left photo), founder, FreemanGroup.

 “Our programs address more than the fundamentals of quality care and service; they also focus on some of the less common pitfalls and successful tactics for operating a 21st century hotel.  Providing the instruction in their native language eliminates translation errors and puts the associate in a comfort zone that enables him/her to more quickly learn the job skills.

 For more information, contact the Dallas office at 972-479-1345 or visit www.freemangroupsolutions.com.

 Additional information is available at the association’s website, www.latinohotelassociation.com.

Contact: Jerry Daly, Chris Daly, Daly Gray Public Relations, (703) 435-6293

jerry@dalygray.com

                               

Luks, Santaniello Law Firm and Tetra Tech Choose Museum Tower in Miami for Expansions

MIAMI, FL– With a trophy location as its drawing card, Gaedeke Group LLC's Museum Tower (top left photo) has been selected by the Luks, Santaniello, Petrillo & Jones law firm and Tetra Tech Inc. for expansion plays in the Miami marketplace.

The well-known law firm has leased 2,758 sf and the publicly traded engineering firm has taken 1,175 sf, both signing leases for the 16th floor of the 29-story, class A high rise at 150 W. Flagler St. in Miami's legal district.

 Luks, Santaniello, Petrillo & Jones is moving in now; Tetra Tech will have completed its relocation by month's end.

"Both wanted to get in quickly because they had needs for their operations," says Kirk Fetter (middle right photo), vice president of leasing for the Dallas-based landlord.

Tom Capocefalo, corporate managing director of Studley, represented the law firm. Chris Dekker, senior associate of CB Richard Ellis, represented the Pasadena, Calif.-based Tetra Tech.

"This is a permanent expansion in the Miami market for Luks, Santaniello," Capocefalo says, adding the law firm is planning to add six to eight attorneys in the coming months plus staff.  "Museum Tower offered the greatest economic value for this tenant's requirements," he notes.

Capocefalo says the law firm looked at several buildings during the course of its search, but the class A caliber of Museum Tower and its proximity to the Miami-Dade Courthouse (middle left photo) were the dealmakers as was the landlord's business acumen.

"Gaedeke does a brilliant job of facilitating and making tenants feel like they can get the deal done," he stresses.

Location and landlord also were the convincing factors for Tetra Tech, which is expanding with a move from 8550 NW 33rd St. "I looked at several other buildings in the downtown and Brickell.

 It was really my top choice for several reasons," says Ken Caban, Southeast Florida regional manager for Tetra Tech. "It's a very central location for lots of our existing and future clients. The ownership was very accommodating with our requirements."

The back-to-back signings nudge the 234,104-sf Museum Tower's occupancy to 86% and reduces the 16th floor's availability to 3,680 sf. Gaedeke's largest block of open space in the high rise is the 18th floor, featuring 14,000 sf with a 360-degree panoramic view of downtown Miami and Key Biscayne Bay.

Museum Tower's proximity to the courthouse is reflected in its tenant base, which is heavily weighted by law firms.  Also close by is the Metro Rail station as well as easy access to Interstate 95.

Negotiations for both leases lasted just a few months. "There is more activity in Miami then there's been in a while," Fetter says. "It's really picking up."

Gaedeke Group, founded in 1995, is a full-service real estate firm that provides investment, acquisition, management, leasing construction management and portfolio management services.

Headquartered in Dallas, Gaedeke's current portfolio encompasses three million square feet of class A office properties in Arizona, Florida, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, D.C. and Germany.

Contact: Kirk Fetter, Gaedeke Group, 561-515-7407, http://www.gaedeke.com/  or prcourier@att.net

ARA Brokers Sale of 180-Unit Community in Affluent Boca Del Mar, FL PUD

Boca Raton, FL (Aug. 8, 2011) — Atlanta-headquartered ARA, the largest privately held, full-service investment advisory brokerage firm in the nation focusing exclusively on the multihousing industry, recently brokered the sale of Boca Colony (top left photo), a 180-unit apartment community located in the affluent Boca Del Mar master-planned development in South Palm Beach County, FL.

 The South Florida ARA sales team, led by ARA Principal Avery Klann (middle right photo), Senior Vice President Hampton Beebe (middle left photo), and ARA Principal Richard Donnellan (lower right photo), represented institutional advisor, Invesco Real Estate, in the sale of the 180-unit community to an affiliate of Bay Harbor Island, FL-based Atlantic | Pacific Companies.  

Constructed in 1986 and 96% occupied at the time of the sale, investor interest in the community was very strong and resulted in ARA conducting 59 tours in just a one month period.

 According to ARA’s Klann, “Invesco had previously implemented a modest interiors upgrade program in 80% of the units that positively impacted rent premiums at the time.”

 Randy Weisburd, Chief Operating Officer of Atlantic | Pacific Companies added, “this property has untapped upside potential and the implementation of an enhanced upgrade program will allow A|P to further increase value.”

 The property is located within the acclaimed Boca Del Mar PUD, a self-sufficient 2,000-acre master planned community strategically located in central Boca Raton. 

This desirable community, approved for 10,500 homes back in the 1970’s, is approximately 93% built out and offers a wide range of residential options in a heavily amenitized and safe environment.

 Boca Colony is located on the north side of the Country Club at Boca Raton within the PUD, offering an 18-hole par 70 championship golf course, golf range, practice greens, golf shop, a tennis center with six state-of-the-art Har-Tru courts and renovated clubhouse with restaurants and banquet areas.    

  To schedule an interview with an ARA executive regarding this transaction or for more information about ARA, nationally please contact Marti Zenor of ARA Florida at mzenor@ARAusa.com or 561-988-8800.

 For detailed information on ARA’s extensive multihousing investment services, visit www.arausa.com.

Local Contact:                                                National Contacts:

Marti Zenor                                                    Amy Morris or Lisa Robinson

ARA Florida                                                   ARA National

(561) 988-8800                                               (404) 495-7300

 

Brookfield Homes in San Diego Posts Record-Breaking Sales in July

SAN DIEGO, CA --(PR.com)-- Brookfield has reported 19 gross sales in San Diego in one month, its strongest sales month since Aug 2009. According to Lora Heramb (top right photo), vice president of sales and marketing for Brookfield Homes, there are several key factors at play.

“Brookfield Homes is assisting buyers with the purchase of a new home by paying closing costs and providing funds to upgrade flooring,” said Heramb. “Buyers who qualify for a VA loan get the added advantage of Brookfield Homes helping them pay off their debt.

“With low interest rates holding, we’re seeing more consumers with the confidence to buy a new home. Most of our buyers tell us they feel that they’re getting a great deal on the most important purchase of their lifetime.”

According to Heramb, one outcome of this recession is the return to the true values of home ownership.

 “Our buyers are no longer caught up in the real estate frenzy, but are focused on the inherent value of a new home,” she said.

“Here’s where they’ll be raising their families and creating a lifetime of memories. It’s gratifying to see so many people finding a Brookfield home that fits their long-term needs at price they can afford.”

In addition to building new homes in San Diego, the company also has significant land holdings in Riverside County. For more information about Brookfield communities, visit www.brookfieldsd.com.

For a complete copy of the ompany’s news release, please contact Scribe Communications, Andie Adams, 858-452-8958

andie@scribecommunications.com

http://www.scribecommunications.com/

New Era of Real Estate: GHA Communities' Mario Gonzales Redefines How He Does Business, Teams with Doug Balog

PALM DESERT, CA --(PR.com)-- The real estate market is on the verge of an upswing in the Coachella Valley, and the new home market is a vital part of that uptick.

According to The Desert Sun, during the first several months of 2011, roughly 4560 homes sold in the Coachella Valley, but only 160 were in new home developments.

Mario Gonzales (top right photo), President of the award-winning GHA Communities, Inc. has set his sights on drastically changing those figures by grabbing a larger percentage of the sales market by building homes that he thinks buyers will find irresistible.

 Combine favorable pricing with luxury amenities, older homes on the market will have some tough competition when faced with GHA’s offering.

GHA, winner of the prestigious Gold Nugget Award is going to test his theory starting with The Grove at The Citrus in La Quinta along with other new home developments on the horizon.

GHA Communities is instrumental in completing several new home projects on behalf of developers and investors such as Espana in North Indio which recently celebrated its grand opening.

Both developments represent Gonzales’ vision for the Coachella Valley: to create viable communities with affordable housing while offering superb quality in craftsmanship and design and exceptional amenities.

Doug Balog (bottom left photo) is Broker Associate with KW Luxury Homes by Keller Williams located on El Paseo in Palm Desert, California.

Mario Gonzales is President and CEO of GHA Communities which is located in Cathedral City, CA. For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact

Julia Countryman

Doug Balog, KW Luxury Homes

951-834-4506

julia.countryman@gmail.com

www.dougbalog.com

Lesley Garlock of South Bay Realty Selected to Join Innovative International Real Estate Network

NAPLES, FL --(PR.com)-- Barbara's inner circle is the latest innovation by Barbara Corcoran (bottom left photo), founder and former owner of New York City's Corcoran Group.

As the regular real estate contributor on The TODAY Show on NBC, Barbara has become America's real estate expert, welcomed into living rooms across the country where her real estate know-how and disarming style bring viewers a wealth of knowledge delivered in common sense language.

"I'm wild about my new concept and very excited to have Lesley joining us," said Barbara. "She's just the kind of savvy agent I most admire. I'm so proud to have her as a member of our team!"

As a select member of barbara's inner circle, Lesley Garlock (top rioght photo) now has access to an international community of the best agents in the world and the ability to post, promote and cross-market among them.

Lesley can also access Barbara's up-to-the-minute marketing tips for homeowners, and, perhaps most importantly, has Barbara's own personal endorsement. Invitation to join Barbara's network is selective and membership signifies a high level of professionalism, dedication and ability.

Contact: Lesley Garlock, REALTOR, SFR

South Bay Realty 239-594-2226 office 239-289-1351 cell 239-594-2226 fax lesley@southbayrealty.com

www.lesleygarlock.com

Surprise, The Terra Cotta Inn Nude and Topless Sunbathing Resort. Palm Springs is Southern California's Most Popular Resort According to the Los Angeles Times

PALM SPRINGS, CA, August 05, 2011 --(PR.com)-- The Los Angeles Times newspaper wrote, from "the Stars of Hollywood," to seeing "picture perfect sunsets" while cruising around town "with the top down," to a romantic rendezvous in Palm Springs...wherever you live..."Southern California has something for everyone."

ABC News reports only 57% of Americans take all of their vacation days each year. One of the reasons given is people think vacations are boring and sadly it is for many couples. Big, impersonal chain hotels are boring. Every time you turn around, there's another hotel employee with their hand out waiting for a tip. Instead of being treated like a guest, you're thought of as a walking ATM.

Wouldn't it be nice to find a resort that treats people like family. Where guests are the nicest, friendliest people. Where regular people are treated special with respect and snobby people don't fit in. Where it's easy to make new friends. Or where you can have some quiet, relaxing time together and remember why you initially fell in love.

Well the Los Angeles Times uncovered the perfect resort in their Readers Choice Awards, The Terra Cotta Inn Topless and Nude Sunbathing Resort.

Their site is http://sunnyfun.com

The Times wrote, "Widely regarded as the most mainstream nude sunbathing resort in the U.S., the historic Terra Cotta Inn is a popular clothing optional resort and spa located in the world famous playground of Palm Springs. Especially suitable for couples looking to sunbathe topless or nude for the first time. This is the perfect place to say goodbye to tan lines forever."

Terra Cotta was built by the famous architect, Albert Frey (middle right photo by Julius Shulman)  and is a historic mid-century modern boutique resort. Being a 17 room inn on 1 1/4 acres, it is the perfect size.

Originally built for celebrities, the resort was built with highwalls for privacy. Rooms are large and have all the modern amenities like king sized beds, flat screen TV and DVD player, free Wifi, free in room coffee, refrigerators, microwaves, and more.

The resort has a salt water pool and jacuzzi, free parking, complimentary early check in and late check out, pool side cooling system, free breakfast and afternoon snacks, etc.

 MSNBC picked them as one of the best value resorts out west and trip adviser rating site picked them as one of the best deals of Palm Springs. Repeat guests from all over the US, Canada, England, Australia, and Mexico love vacationing here and always count down the days until they can return.

 Not a nudist? Don't worry. You will feel very happy and safe at Terra Cotta. First timers are always welcomed and quickly become repeat guests which is why they have one of the highest repeat guest rates in the travel industry at just over 80%.

So if you want to try something fun, unique, romantic, and relaxing, then give Terra Cotta Inn a call at 800-786-6938 and as the Los Angeles Times says, "say goodbye to your tan lines forever."

Contact: The Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa; Tom Mulhall

1-800-786-6938

tom@sunnyfun.com

http://sunnyfun.com

Local Distressed Property Expert Provides Guidance for Homeowners Trying to Avoid Foreclosure

Grand Rapids, MI, Aug. 06, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Informative online report details foreclosure alternatives for homeowners facing unaffordable mortgage payments in Grand Rapids, MI area.

Local CDPE-designated agent, Donna Tashjian (top right photo) of Keller Williams Grand Rapids East has released a new report that provides 10 foreclosure solutions that can be used to avoid the costly effects of foreclosure.

The report titled “At the End of Your Rope? 10 solutions for alleviating the stress of an unaffordable mortgage!” provides information for homeowners dealing with the stress of possible foreclosure.

“It’s incredibly stressful for homeowners to take action when they are faced with foreclosure,” Tashjian said. “The reality is that over 6 million Americans missed a mortgage payment in April, so people should understand they are not alone.”

This community resource is available at www.DonnaHelpsHomeowners.INFO. In addition to providing more information about the alternatives to foreclosure, the report explains ten foreclosure alternatives that a homeowner can take advantage of like a loan modification or short sale.

To learn more, visit www.DonnaHelpsHomeowners.INFO

For more information about the CDPE Designation, visit www.CDPE.com.

Contact:  Keller Williams, Donna Tashjian, 616-803-9456

DonnaT@grar.com

San Francisco Luxury Home Sales Hit Three Year High, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Reports

San Francisco, CA, Aug. 06, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Luxury home sales in San Francisco reached their highest level since 2008 during the second quarter of this year as the high-end market continued to bounce back from the recessionary downturn, according to a new market report by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, the region’s leading provider of luxury real estate services.

A total of 86 homes sold for more than $2 million in San Francisco during the April-June quarter, up from just 50 sales in the first quarter of the year and 76 during the second quarter of 2010. The 86 transactions marked the highest level of multi-million-dollar sales in the city since just before the Lehman Brothers collapse and the subsequent crash of the financial markets.

The figures were derived from Multiple Listing Service data of all homes sold in San Francisco for more than $2 million during the second quarter of 2011.

“After a fairly quiet spring, the housing market is heating up this summer, particularly the luxury market here in San Francisco,” said Rick Turley (top right photo), president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. “The high-end segment normally leads the way for the rest of the market in a housing recovery, so this is encouraging news for the entire market.”

Turley said Coldwell Banker is seeing similar improvement in other luxury markets around the Bay Area, including Silicon Valley, the Peninsula and Marin County. All of those markets have bounced back from their recessionary lows and in some cases are nearing their pre-recession levels in sales.

 Although the high-end markets have done best, Turley noted that many entry-level and mid-level markets around the Bay also showed solid gains last month. Bay Area home sales overall in June rose to their highest level for any month since June 2010, when expiring tax credits gave housing a final boost, according to DataQuick, the La Jolla research firm.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage serves San Francisco with five offices.

For more information, please call 925-275-3085.

For more information please visit www.CaliforniaMoves.com or call 925.275.3085. DRE # 00313415.

Contact:

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Stephen Maita, 510.739.0620 samaita@yahoo.com