Joseph Brazen, Managing Broker, Agent
10138 Main Street
Bellevue, Washington 98004
Office: 425.454.4141
Fax: 425.454.3515 info@BrazenSothebysRealty.com
We are pleased to announce that Warren Lewis Realty, LLC in Brooklyn, N.Y., is the newest member of our network and now will operate as Warren Lewis Sotheby’s International Realty.
The firm is independently owned by Aroza Sanjana and Jose F. Nunez and serves the Brooklyn, N.Y. market from two locations. This marks our brand’s first Brooklyn locations. Under separate ownership, Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. has two offices in Manhattan.
Please see the press release for more information and join us in welcoming Warren Lewis Sotheby’s International Realty to our network!
Welcome to the first edition of Perspectives, a quarterly newsletter on the global luxury real estate industry straight from the source: Sotheby’s International Realty® professionals from more than 600 offices located in 45 countries and territories worldwide.
This issue takes you around the globe, with key insights on markets from the United States’ east and west coasts to France and the United Kingdom. Also showcased is our network’s recent significant sales and extraordinary listings from Rome and Canada to Hawaii. For those on the sidelines, now is the time to consider investing in the future. There is perhaps no better time than the present to search for your ideal first, second or third home. The reason? In many real estate markets around the world, a palpable optimism is returning. The combination of attractive pricing and a strengthening economy have laid the foundation for making valuable investments. As you will see in this issue of Perspectives, many of our firms are proudly marketing homes that are unique and significant in their respective markets. And we are observing that to be the case in many areas across the globe.
You may recall our report Edvard Munch’s The Scream Set for Auction back in February. We’re proud to report last week marked a record sale for the Sotheby’s Auction House: Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” shattered the auction record for any work of art when it sold on May 2 for nearly $120 million.
This achievement demonstrates why we’re part of the Sotheby’s Real Estate Network — we’re associated with a brand dedicated to successfully marketing some of the world’s most significant and treasured possessions.
We have gotten off to a strong start, with many parts of the globe reporting strong sales. The most notable sale was Villa Tritone in Sorrento, which sold for more than $45 million. We congratulate Rome Sotheby’s International Realty for such an impressive accomplishment. The New York market also is very strong in the city, along the north shore of Long Island and the Hamptons. We also are pleased that the Caribbean is doing well with Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty leading the way. In addition, we welcomed Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty to our network early last year and we are pleased to acknowledge their lakefront sale in the Chicago area.
Download the latest issue of Significant Sales, showcasing the more recent top 30 sales in the Sotheby’s International Realty® Network.
Noteworthy sales for the month include a stunning mansion in San Francisco, a spectacular property in Aspen as well as Blue Heron Farm on Martha’s Vineyard. In addition, top sales were recorded in Bermuda, Naples, Westchester County, the Hamptons, England and Quebec. We congratulate both the sales associate and affiliates for their success.
Congratulations to all the extraordinary firms represented in the January issue!
We are pleased to announce the opening of Israel Sotheby’s International Realty. The firm’s owners, Tomer and Isidora Fridman and Orna Gotslak, will first serve the Tel Aviv market from their existing office in Givatayim. They plan to open a second location in Tel Aviv later this year that will serve as their main office. The team has an exclusive 25-year master franchise agreement with our brand for Israel and plans to also open additional offices in key markets across the country over the next several years!
Please see the attached press release for more information, and join us in welcoming Israel Sotheby’s International Realty to our network.
Download the latest issue of Significant Sales, showcasing the top 30 sales in the Sotheby’s International Realty® Network for the month, as well as The Most Exceptional Sales of 2011, which highlights our network’s top 30 sales for the year.
The December issue features the record sale of the spectacular St. Regis penthouse in San Francisco, as well as a stunning penthouse in Miami. The Most Exceptional Sales of 2011 highlights Point of View in Greenwich, Conn., as well as extraordinary properties in London, San Francisco, Palm Beach, Hawaii, Aspen, Martha’s Vineyard, Bermuda, New York and the Bahamas. These top sales underscore the vitality of the luxury real estate market on a global basis and are a tribute to the quality of the fine companies that represented them. It also is important to note that there were many high-priced, significant sales last year that due to confidentiality agreements could not be included.
Congratulations to all the extraordinary firms represented in the December and 2011 issues!
The US Commerce Association Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses that serve their local market. Each year they identify companies they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category.
We have been chosen as one of the local companies that enhances the positive image of small business through service to our customers and community.
We’re pleased to have a property featured on the Wall Street Journal Business of Extraordinary Living website! View the Lifestyle Comparison area on the WSJ website here.
Today’s event held at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue Washington included our own Randi Brazen and others such as Mark von der Burg of Coldwell Banker Bain, Tere Foster of Windermere Real Estate/East and Vija Williams of Luxury Homes by Keller Williams-Kirkland.
Randi Brazen and Tere Foster guest speakers at Northwest Luxe Event
Randi with Josh Altman from BRAVO TVs hit show Million Dollar Listing (LA) at the Luxe Event
Download the latest issue of Significant Sales, showcasing the more recent top 30 sales in the Sotheby’s International Realty® Network.
Noteworthy sales for the month include a stunning mansion in San Francisco, a spectacular property in Aspen as well as Blue Heron Farm on Martha’s Vineyard. In addition, top sales were recorded in Bermuda, Naples, Westchester County, the Hamptons, England and Quebec. We congratulate both the sales associate and affiliates for their success.
Congratulations to all the extraordinary firms represented in the latest issue!
We are proud to announce that our brand has won Franchise Business Review’s Best in Category for Real Estate Franchisee Satisfaction award for the fifth year in a row!
The Best in Category award measures franchisee satisfaction with their franchisors and is part of the 7th annual Franchisee Satisfaction Awards presented by Franchise Business Review. In addition to our real estate ranking, we also came in second overall among the Top 50 Large Franchise Systems, which is a ranking of all franchise systems with more than 200 units across all categories. This is quite an accomplishment!
“We are very proud to earn this honor for the fifth year in a row,” said Michael R. Good, chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “We are dedicated to providing the best service we can to our valued network members, whom we hand select to affiliate with our brand. This recognition is a testament to the value we provide them in making their businesses more prosperous and successful.” Click here to listen to an interview by Franchise Business Review with Sotheby’s Real Estate CEO and President Mike Good.
Local celebrity real estate agents including our own Randi Brazen and others such as Mark von der Burg of Coldwell Banker Bain, Tere Foster of Windermere Real Estate/East and Vija Williams of Luxury Homes by Keller Williams-Kirkland, will be discussing various topics from how they got into the industry, marketing strategies and success tips. Maverick Commins from Scottsdale, AZ-owner of Supreme Auctions, Luxury Home Auction House will be there to discuss his ventures in the international luxury auction arena, as well as Celebrity Guest Speaker Josh Altman from BRAVO TV’s Million Dollar Listing discussing various topics from successful business strategies to incredible and amazing negotiation skills.
The event will be held at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue Washington on Thursday, March 15. See the online flyer for more information.
Truly special properties are different at every level, and require real estate services that are as well.
The Sotheby’s International Realty® brand takes great pride in presenting to the world unique places and their stories, and in using our innovative marketing tools, global network and relationships with discerning buyers to perfectly match time-honored properties with those who will appreciate them and give them new life.
As agents, we have access to some of the most qualified buyers in the world. For example take a look at this exquisite St. Barthelemy Villa represented by St. Barth Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, $6,000,000.
This newly refurbished, three-bedroom, three-bath, hillside villa is set in the heights of Pt. Milou with sensational views that deliver the beauty of an early morning sunrise to the awe-inspiring sunset. With both indoor and outdoor living areas, the villa offers incredible views from all locations.
Allow us to show you some of the special properties agents of the Sotheby’s International Realty Network have most recently successfully represented in the last issue of Significant Sales magazine.
BELLEVUE, WA (January 10, 2012)— Brazen Sotheby’s International Realty, the area’s luxury real estate firm, today announced the launch of the brand’s official YouTube channel, which was designed to provide consumers an inside look into the exceptional homes represented by the firm locally and by the nearly 600 Sotheby’s International Realty® offices around the world.
The channel features three categories of video: the Spotlight section provides candid views into some of the Sotheby’s International Realty® network’s most exceptional properties and their lifestyles; the Property section contains videos on the many homes represented by the network; and the Destination section spotlights the many luxury markets served by the network around the world.
“Video is not a unique medium in real estate marketing but we are leveraging it in an innovative way,” said Wendy Purvey, chief marketing officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Our YouTube channel was designed to provide consumers with an inside view of some of the world’s most extraordinary properties by focusing on the distinctive lifestyle and amenities they offer at any price point. Consumers are looking to video now more than ever before as a research tool in the home-buying process, and YouTube, the No. 1 online video website, is where they are searching for video, with 60 percent of video streams happening there.”
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 11,900 sales associates located in approximately 590 offices in 44 countries and territories worldwide.
“Now consumers in the Bellevue and Seattle market can get an inside glimpse of the exciting lifestyle and amenities found in some of the world’s most exquisite homes,” said Joseph Brazen. “The Sotheby’s International Realty YouTube channel enables us to offer our clients another powerful tool to market their homes. According to YouTube, 48 hours of video is uploaded there every minute. When you consider that, this new channel substantiates the consumer demand for video. As well, those looking to learn more about the Bellevue and Seattle market and what we have to offer can experience it firsthand here.”
We are pleased to announce that Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty in Princeton, N.J., has merged with N.T. Callaway Real Estate, LLC to create Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty with its headquarters in Princeton.
N.T. Callaway Real Estate, LLC was one of the brand’s first affiliates in 1976, and we are proud to welcome them back. The newly combined firm will operate five offices located in Princeton, Pennington, Cranbury, Montgomery and Lambertville. Pete Callaway, Norman Callaway, Karen Callaway Urisko, Jud Henderson, Matt Henderson and Jane Henderson Kenyon all will maintain leadership roles.
Please see the Press Release for more information and join us in welcoming Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty to our network.
Networking is what it’s all about, and evidence that the Brazens take it seriously was clear when the current issue of Collections included not one, but two pages that include mentions and photos.
On page 5 is a photo of the Global Networking Event that includes Randi and Joseph Brazen along with Cindy Paur of Brazen Sotheby’s International Realty, all of them listed in the photo tagline.
In the “Seen & Heard Around the Network” section on page 9 you’ll see Joseph’s participation on the Leadership panel at the annual StarPower Conference in San Diego highlighted.
Joseph and Randi’s participation, networking and commitment to their specialty and brand gets results!
Brazen Sotheby’s Bellevue Daily is a conglomeration of the hottest issues, locally and globally. Follow us on Twitter for access to this fantastic Brazen business, lifestyle and news piece.
Take a look at the latest issue of Significant Sales, showcasing the top 25 sales in the Sotheby’s International Realty® Network for the month.
As you will see we recorded notable sales in Hawaii, both in Maui and Kailua Beach; London; New York; Long Island, N.Y.; Colorado; Boston, Massachusetts; and Montreal. This cross section of sales showcases the strength and breadth of the Sotheby’s brand leadership in the sale of luxury properties worldwide.
Congratulations to all the extraordinary firms represented in the latest issue!
We’re pleased to see one of our properties is featured on the home page of “The Business of Extraordinary Living” microsite at the Wall Street Journal online as a property in the rotating eGallery on the bottom left. This showcased on September 23rd and will run until November 4th. Please take a moment to check it out at The Business of Extraordinary Living.
About the Showcased Columbia Valley Wine Country Estate
Perfectly nestled on 90 acres in the heart of Washington’s Wine Country, the very finest living awaits. Over 15,000 square feet of first class amenities and craftsmanship create beauty and function to be admired. Ideal for family living and grand entertaining! The state of the art residence features three guest suites, a magnificent private master suite, incredible chef’s gourmet kitchen, two offices, media room, gym, craft studio, 1000 bottle wine cellar and two separate guest/staff suites. Go to the Property Tour for more info and photos.
Northwest MLS September statistics show increasing sales and some leveling off on prices. The number of completed transactions in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties jump 32 percent over last year. Overall pending sales for the 21 counties in the MLS rose more than 20 percent over the same time last year.
OB Jacobi — member of the Northwest MLS board — pointed out interest rates are low, affordability is high and confidence in the housing market is improving, and adds that one consequence is “stiff competition for move-in ready homes that are priced right, especially in neighborhoods close to Seattle.”
In Central Puget Sound, according to J. Lennox Scott, 90 percent of sales activity is taking place in the more affordable and mid-price ranges, where inventory is low to healthy. He notes that historically low interest rates combined with lower adjusted prices are attracting home buyers and investors in healthier sales.
Locally, industry veterans are encouraged by shrinking inventory and gains in sales over last year. According to Northwest MLS brokers, pricing is paramount in this market. “Properly priced homes are selling, overpriced homes are not, it’s that simple” states Bellingham broker Darin Stenvers.
Jacobi reported an influx of cash buyers in the $800,000 to $1.2 million price range, especially on the Eastside area around Bellevue. “Cash buyers have the upper hand in negotiating the best deals. The buyers are not looking at housing as a red hot investment,” he said, “but rather as a place for long-terms value and a possible hedge against invlation. Like many of us, they’ve experienced first-hand the effects of falling stock prices and rising inflation. But unlike equity investments, these buyers figure that at least they can live in their home while they wait for the global economy to figure itself out.
We are pleased to announce our affiliations are expanding as HÔM Real Estate Group in Newport Beach, CA and United States Virgin Islands Sotheby’s International Realty are the newest members of our network.
The Newport Beach firm now will operate its three offices in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Balboa Island as HÔM Sotheby’s International Realty with Mike Shapiro as chairman and Bob Bonanno as president. Also, the offices formerly operated by Coast Sotheby’s International Realty in Rancho Santa Fe and Laguna Beach will be operated by HÔM Sotheby’s International Realty in the near future. Download the Newport Beach press release for more information.
United States Virgin Islands Sotheby’s International Realty has also joined our network…Lee Steiner, who has been a top producer in the market, serves as president. Download the Virgin Islands press release for more information.
Join us in welcoming HÔM Real Estate Group and United States Virgin Islands Sotheby’s International Realty!
Both pending and closed sales came out on top during the month of August this year, according to the latest report from Northwest Multiple Listing Service. August results showed the highest number of mutually accepted offers since April 2010’s tax incentive.
Up 26% from the same time last year, brokers reported 7,632 pending sales for August. Thirteen counties had double digit gains in pending sales from a year ago, with Snohomish jumping more than 46 percent.
MLS director OB Jacobi expressed excitement at the positive momentum in the market, noting the most active were the $600k to $800k price ranges in King County, and added that low inventory continues to be an issue across the board.
Closed sales for August rose 35% over August a year ago, with inventory dropping by 16% between this August and last. This discrepancy is causing a competitive multiple-offer environment, and buyers are encouraged to be ready to place an offer. Suggestions for buyers include:
1. Get pre-approved
2. Subscribe to daily email notifications of new listings entering the market (click here to subscribe now)
With favorable conditions like affordability, home prices more in line with income levels, and historically low interest rates there is renewed enthusiasm in the market.
For professional representation contact Brazen Sotheby’s International Realty today.
This stunning craftsman was originally built by John Ankeny in 1906, son of Senator Levi Ankeny who gifted him the property. The Ankeny’s were a powerful, influential family around the turn of the century owning 7 banks and other holdings.
Renovated by interior designer/contractor Kevin S. Davis, this home will receive an historical plaque and most likely be tax reduced, possibly exempt, for 10 years because of it’s historical status.
5,000 square feet of architectural details, modern entertainment installations and rich finishes round out the package — quintessential vintage charm possessing all of the amenities of today plus many more.
This week the lowest mortgage rate offered for a 15 year FRM was 2.875 percent (3.11% APR), which is down from 3.00 percent offered last week. Recently 30-year fixed rates hit the lowest level since Freddie Mac started keeping statistics.
The low interest rates coupled by incredible real estate deals make it an ideal time to upgrade to a nicer home or purchase an additional property.
We are pleased to announce the opening of Aruba Sotheby’s International Realty.
The firm is managed by Hans Veenhuysen and Sven Ellerkamp, who have more than 10 years’ experience specializing in residential sales and property management. For more info see the attached press release and join us welcoming Aruba Sotheby’s International Realty to our network!
Long time Medina School Principal, Betsy Hill and her Sister Suzy Hill , (Long Time Bellevue teacher) have selected Joseph and Randi Brazen to market their family’s Hill Ranch in Cowlitz County ( Kelso).
For years the families of Medina and Bellevue have heard the stories of Hill Ranch and the folklore of the amazing memories that were formed over the years. Now for the first time in over 50 years Hill Ranch is available for sale and will be open for viewing this Friday August 12th from Noon to 4pm.
The trendsetting family business in Issaquah Highlands, Plateau Realty, has partnered with Brazen Sotheby’s International Realty of Bellevue.
Scott Gibbons established the Got Scott? mindset in Issaquah Highlands, selling over 300 homes in the process. He’s out to do it again with the nation’s leading Luxury home brand, Sotheby’s, the pride of Realogy Corp.
Larry Cragun of ihighlands.neighborhoodsundressed.com asked why Scott made this change.
He chose Sotheby’s from others because of the international exposure (540 offices worldwide), their marketing and technology, and the fact he loved their brands offering. He is already working with buyers from out of the area that are being referred through their beautiful website. You will note the professional photography is a class to itself. Scott says that every listing must meet this photographic standard. Because of it’s international clientele the website is customized in 9 different languages.
We’re excited about our alliance with Scott and his expert team at Plateau Realty, and look forward to an even stronger presence in the Issaquah, Bellevue, Seattle, regional and international luxury real estate markets!
According to a story on AOL Money & Finance Site dailyfinance.com:
It may be the “Apple Capital of the World” but Wenatchee also offers an endless array of recreational options, including skiing, hiking, camping hunting and fishing. Stunning views make this city the Northwest’s very own “Garden of Eden.” – PR Newswire
How far does your money goes in Wenatchee?
State tax on pensions: No
State tax on Social Security: No
Sales tax: 8%
Property tax rate: 10.52%
Best way to spend $10…
Have a milk shake downtown at Owl Soda Fountain & Gifts, founded in 1926, then check out “Art on the Avenues,” a collection of more than 70 unique outdoor sculptures scattered throughout Wenatchee.
Best night on the town…
Fall in love with baseball all over again with the AppleSox, part of the West Coast League, a wooden-bat summer collegiate league. -AARP
Dreaming about retiring to a villa in the Wenatchee hills with your own vineyard?
Take a look at our private gated 11 acre estate with a 1/2 acre vineyard and 8,000 sq. ft Italian villa that comes fully furnished. You’ll marvel at the 4 luxurious bedroom suites, 5.5 baths, den, family room, game/billiard room, library and music room/receiving room. See the virtual tour and photo gallery of our Wenatchee Villa in the Hills.
We’d like to share the great news that our listing has been chosen to be featured on the homepage of the Wall Street Journals “The Business of Extraordinary Living”. Our Bellevue listing showcased on July 1st and will run until August 12th.
This listing is truly a unique extraordinary property with over 10,700 square feet of custom finishes, it features hand carved antique doors and a 500 year old temple entry to the media room. There is nothing common about this spectacular home. Everywhere you look you will be dazzled by breathtaking views of the lake and city skyline, as well as an amazing attention to detail. Click here for more information about this Bellevue waterfront villa.
You may recall our report 
The US Commerce Association Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses that serve their local market. Each year they identify companies they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category.
“We are very proud to earn this honor for the fifth year in a row,” said Michael R. Good, chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “We are dedicated to providing the best service we can to our valued network members, whom we hand select to affiliate with our brand. This recognition is a testament to the value we provide them in making their businesses more prosperous and successful.” 
Local celebrity real estate agents including our own Randi Brazen and others such as Mark von der Burg of Coldwell Banker Bain, Tere Foster of Windermere Real Estate/East and Vija Williams of Luxury Homes by Keller Williams-Kirkland, will be discussing various topics from how they got into the industry, marketing strategies and success tips. Maverick Commins from Scottsdale, AZ-owner of Supreme Auctions, Luxury Home Auction House will be there to discuss his ventures in the international luxury auction arena, as well as Celebrity Guest Speaker Josh Altman from BRAVO TV’s Million Dollar Listing discussing various topics from successful business strategies to incredible and amazing negotiation skills.
