Lee and Associates Completes Office Lease in Downtown Riverside

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Lee & Associates, one of the largest national commercial real estate providers with regional expertise, has completed a 10-year lease for the Citrus Tower located at 3390 University Avenue. The 35,000-square-foot office lease represents approximately 25 percent of the building, which is currently under construction and set to be completed in April 2012. Rich Erickson, Dave Mudge and Tom Pierik, senior vice presidents of the Lee & Associates Riverside office, represented the landlord, Regional Properties, Inc.

The six-story, domed Citrus Tower is the only office building under construction in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Located in the heart of Downtown Riverside, the building offers incredible visibility and high quality office space.

Aaron Wright and Andy Lustgarten of Studley, Inc. represented the tenant, Best Best & Krieger, LLP, one of Riverside’s oldest law firms with more than 200 attorneys in eight offices in California and one office in Washington, D.C. The new office at Citrus Tower will be only a few blocks away from its original office at Eighth Street and Main.

"This will be one of Downtown Riverside’s prime office spaces," said Erickson. "Despite the challenging local economy, the building has and will attract the highest quality tenants in the marketplace, as evidenced by Best Best & Krieger."

About Lee & Associates

Celebrating more than 32 years of leadership excellence in commercial real estate, Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in the nation, with 45 locations across the nation including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. With a roster of nearly 700 expert brokers, Lee & Associates provides a wide range of specialized commercial real estate services. Additional information is available at www.lee-associates.com.

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Southern California Property Managers Find Cost Savings For Owners With Synthetic Grass Lawns

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – With real estate investors snapping up bargains on income property due to weak housing prices, a company specializing in synthetic lawn installation is getting the message out to property management companies that their clients can improve their cash flow each month in many cases by installing synthetic grass in place of water-hogging and upkeep-intensive sod.

Scot Wozniak of San Diego Lawns, Inc., says he can help property managers run the numbers to see if their properties under management can benefit from converting their real grass lawns to great-looking synthetic lawns.

"Owners have been very interested in our product, because it looks and feels very much like real grass, yet it can save a considerable amount of money each month on the water bill and on landscape maintenance."

He says that on a cash basis, owner typically can recoup their investment in a few years, but if the project is financed, the water savings and elimination of lawn maintenance can offset the payments on installation.

"In a market like this where investors needs to squeeze every little bit of cash flow out of their investment property, property management companies would do well to suggest this option to their clients."

While Wozniak says that a synthetic lawn installation is a very real way to increase the long term investment returns on a property, he also notes that there are other benefits.

"Synthetic lawns are very environmentally friendly and much safer for children and for those with allergies. It eliminates harsh chemicals like weed killers and fertilizers, and saves a lot of money each year because artificial turf looks great year-round without the chemical treatments."

About San Diego Lawns, Inc.

Scot Wozniak of San Diego Lawns, Inc. has been installing synthetic lawns in the San Diego area for years with an impressive record of customer satisfaction. He provides free cost estimates and cost savings projects based on reduced water usage and lawn maintenance costs. San Diego Lawns, Inc. serves the entire San Diego metro area, including Chula Vista, La Mesa, El Cajon, Del Cerro, Del Mar, La Jolla, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Escondido, Poway, Scripps Ranch, Rancho Sante Fe, Coronado, National City, Bonita, Imperial Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma Leucadia, Oceanside, and Spring Valley.

Scot Wozniak
President
San Diego Lawns, Inc.
1035 Surrey Dr
Bonita CA 91902
619-495-0722
http://www.sandiegolawns.com/
scot@sdlawns.com

Idaho Real Estate Agent Don Wixom Says Meridian Real Estate Market Has Fewest Vacancies

MERIDIAN, Ida. - Don Wixom, broker/owner of RE/MAX Advantage in Nampa, Idaho, says that Meridian market continues to maintain the lowest vacancy rates for pre-existing homes in the Treasure Valley. He says this is a testament to Meridian's strength as a place to buy, and is due to a number of factors affecting the Idaho real estate market.

Wixom says that some of the more popular subdivisions in many price ranges are in Meridian, making Meridian more attractive to a wider set of buyers.

"Meridian subdivisions tend to be newer than those in other parts of the Treasure Valley. Schools are great, and amenities like shopping and freeway access are great as well."

He says that the benefits Meridian has going for it mean buyers will pay a little more to live there, but property values have also been much more stable in Meridian than elsewhere.

"Meridian real estate offers a level of safety for home buyers that other areas don't always have, simply because it's more in demand."

Wixom said he's helped many out-of-state buyers purchase homes in Meridian, whether it's someone who is relocating due to a job transfer in the Boise area, or someone fleeing a bigger state like California for a better quality of life.

"Meridian's proximity to Boise real estate, along with its small town feel, are two of the biggest things going for the city. It definitely attracts local and out of town buyers to the area."

"With the current market conditions, it's not hard to find good deals, including Meridian short sales, foreclosures, and traditional home sales."

Vacant Treasure Valley Pre-Existing Home Inventory

Nampa: 37%
Caldwell: 32%
Meridian: 21%
Boise: 34%
Kuna: 32%

###

About Don Wixom

Don Wixom specializes in representing his clients in the purchase and sale of Idaho real estate, including residential, commercial and investment properties, covering Boise real estate as well as Nampa, Meridian, Eagle, Caldwell, Star, and Kuna. Since becoming licensed in 1996, he has averaged selling 70 homes each year.

Don’s clients have come to rely in his experience to get their homes sold and to give the best guidance in purchasing a home. Though Don has hundreds of hours in education in all aspects of real estate, he specializes in residential properties. Whether it is single-family homes or multi-family investment properties, this is where his expertise and negotiation skills are most often put to use.

Don Wixom
RE/MAX Advantage
5680 E Franklin Rd, Suite 100
Nampa ID 83687
http://www.sellidaho.com
(208) 880-5039

Key West Real Estate Agent Sean Farrer Says Tourism Brings in Home Buyers Looking For Discounts

KEY WEST, Fla. - Florida real estate agent Sean Farrer says that tourism to Key West brings a steady source of home buyers as vacationers are enticed by great home prices to consider calling the island their home. Farrer says that his clients frequently got the idea to buy Key West real estate while vacationing in its year-round warm climate.

"The northern states and Canada get some pretty cold winters, and folks come here to warm up. In the process, they discover that Key West is a really nice place to live."

He says that before their holiday is over, vacationers are often asking him to look at Key West real estate listings.

"Prices are incredible right now--better than they have been in a decade or more because of all the bank owned homes on the market."

Farrer says that not only are there a high number of Key West foreclosures that translate to real estate discounts for buyers, but tourists can get all kinds of discounts from local businesses.

"One of the popular programs for tourists to get Key West hotels cheap as well as discounts on activities like parasailing, snorkeling, and Key West scuba diving, is Gold Card Key West."

About Sean Farrer

Originally from South Africa, Sean Farrer moved to the Florida Keys over 13 years ago. He enjoys helping folks looking for a dream home and an island lifestyle find both in the beautiful Key West area. With previous careers in management and IT services, Sean is very organized with a dedication to customer service that shows in his work with Key West real estate buyers and sellers.

Your time spent with Sean looking for your dream home will be fun and productive, and he’ll provide a wealth of insight for you on the best neighborhoods to match your lifestyle, no matter your age or income bracket.

About Gold Card Key West

The Gold Card Key West program has been offering steep discounts to Key West visitors on activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, Dry Tortugas tours, kayak rentals, parasailing, and many other activities. The card has numerous participating businesses, including many restaurants for discounted dining while on the island.

Sean Farrer
1201 #101 White St
Key West, FL 33040
305-924-0700
http://key-west-real-estate.net
http://www.goldcardkeywest.com

Praxius Technology Provides Real Estate Social Media Marketing Training For Agents and Loan Officers

Amherst, NH - Praxius Technology, a leading real estate marketing technology company based in New Hampshire, is launching extensive real estate social media marketing training for agents and loan officers who collaborate using the company's Lender Agent Collaborative platform.

Fred Doleac, President of Praxius Technology and Virtual Homes Real Estate, says the free training resources are designed to coach agents and lenders alike on how to build their social media profile, an increasingly important focus of online marketing in the relationship-driven real estate industry.

"Our extensive video training modules cover everything from mortgage marketing and SEO to social media marketing on Twitter and Facebook. They are offered for free as part of our Lender Agent Collaborative real estate website platform, which allows lenders to build long term, profitable relationships with real estate agents."

Doleac says that in the past, lenders could focus almost exclusively on the refinance market to grow and maintain their business. With persistently low interest rates, refinancing has slowed significantly, forcing lenders to widen their network of real estate agents to get more referral business.

"The Lender Agent Collaborative platform essentially gives lenders a RESPA compliant way to help local agents get more buyer real estate leads, and in the process, build their own referral business."

He says an essential key to building real estate buyer referrals for lenders is widening both the lenders' and agents' social networks.

"The power of social media is that it's all about relationships. We are teaching our clients how to leverage social media to build profitable relationships."

About Praxius

Praxius Technology is a leading real estate technology company with core competency in real estate website development, lead generation, and RESPA compliant lender/agent collaboration. Praxius is a division of Virtual Homes Real Estate, an independent New England real estate company with agents in 4 states.

Schedule a Webinar

Contact Praxius

Fred Doleac
Praxius Technology
55 Ponemah Road
Amherst, NH 03031
603-732-1800 or 800-856-2479
603-732-1817 Direct
Fax toll free - 888-884-0543

http://praxiustech.com/
http://praxiustechnology.com
http://virtualhomes.com

Lee and Associates Closes $6.2 Million Ontario Industrial Transaction

ONTARIO, Calif. — Lee & Associates, the nation’s largest broker-owned commercial brokerage firm, has closed a $6.2 million sale of an industrial building at 4200 Mission Blvd. in Ontario, Calif.

Principals Jedd Zaun and Bill Garrett of Lee Newport Beach represented the seller, JW Irvine L.P. in the 99,534-square-foot industrial building transaction. The buyer, Sample Real Estate, LLC, was represented by Steve Bellitti and Josh Hayes of Colliers International.

"We started marketing this building last year and we received multiple offers," said Zaun, noting that the buyer opted for a lease, with an option to purchase. "And while buyers are still looking for good deals, we were able to sell this property at a ‘solid price,’ which was great."

The building will be the new corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility for American Sample Company, Inc., a national supplier of sample products to the decorative fabric, hospitality, and contract fabric trade.

About Lee & Associates

Celebrating 32 years of leadership excellence in commercial real estate, Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in the nation, with 45 locations across the nation including California, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. With a roster of more than 600 expert brokers, Lee & Associates provides a wide range of specialized commercial real estate services. Additional information is available at ww.lee-associates.com.

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Lee and Associates Completes 36-Month Industrial Lease on Behalf of Investment Building Group

SAN BERNARDINO, Calf. - Lee & Associates, one of the largest national commercial real estate providers with regional expertise, has completed a 36-month lease for a 141,200 square-foot industrial space located at 1050 Orange Show Road, San Bernardino, Calf.

Herrick Johnson, senior vice president of the Lee & Associates Riverside office represented the landlord, Investment Building Group. The tenant, Grant & Bowman, who relocated their business from the City of Ontario, was represented by Jeff Smith, senior vice president of the Lee & Associates Ontario office.

About Lee & Associates

Celebrating more than 32 years of leadership excellence in commercial real estate, Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in the nation, with 44 locations across the nation including Arizona, California, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. With a roster of nearly 700 expert brokers, Lee & Associates provides a wide range of specialized commercial real estate services. Additional information is available at www.lee-associates.com.

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This release is distributed in part by Press Release Distribution Associates, specializing in real estate press releases. For information on real estate, see Key West real estate and Portland real estate.

Jerry Garrity of First Statewide Realty Property Management in San Jose Offers Executive Relocation Tips

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Jerry Garrity of First Statewide Realty, who was recently interviewed for a Wall Street Journal article for his expertise in San Jose Property Management, is offering executive relocation tips to companies relocating employees to the Silicon Valley.

Garrity says the experience of two decades in real estate spanning five recessions gives him some measure of wisdom he shares with clients, whether individual investors or companies using his services for executive relocation.

"Often, companies who are relocating an employee think they are saving money by managing the details of the move internally, such as scouting for rental properties, arranging rental contracts, coordinating moving companies, etc. Inevitably, they end up wasting valuable time and money in the process."

He says that one of his first pieces of advice is that time is money, and having employees try to learn the ins and outs of real estate management consumes a lot of both.

"I highly recommend hiring an experienced property management company like First Statewide Realty to take care of the details of an employee relocation. We do this every day. There's no learning curve, we took care of that 20 years ago."

Garrity also says advises companies to view executive relocation services as an investment in their employee's productivity.

"When an employee arrives in a new home amidst the chaos of a move that wasn't well planned, it's our experience that work productivity suffers dramatically. Employees are a valuable human resource, and wasting their time and energy by imposing unnecessary stress on their home life just doesn't make sense."

Garrity says he's available to provide a full range of expert advice on taking the hassles out of employee relocation to companies.

"When an employee is being transferred to a new city, they are already dealing with enough upheaval in their life without adding extra burdens by having them deal with relocation details. We'll take the burden of dealing with their move off of their hands and give them a much easier transition."

About First Statewide Realty

Jerry Garrity is a seasoned expert in property management whose expertise has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and other publications. His professional Property Management San Jose company First Statewide Realty specializes in managing single family homes, condominiums, townhouses and other investment property in the greater San Jose metropolitan area. His Cupertino property management firm has been in business for over 21 years, and is a member of the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors, Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, Tri-County Apartment Association and National Association of Residential Property Managers.

Jerry Garrity
First Statewide Realty
20045 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Suite 2-D
Cupertino, CA 95014
Tel: 408-253-1000
Lic#: 01036982
Email: investments@firststatewiderealty.com
http://www.firststatewiderealty.com

Keystone Pacific Property Management Awarded Villa Vallerto Association Management Contract

IRVINE, Calif. - Keystone Pacific Property Management, a leading community association management company providing management services to community associations throughout Southern California, has been selected tomanage Villa Vallerto, a 118 condominium community located in Tustin, California. Keystone Pacific will be assisting the board of directors with the daily management operations of the community.

"We are very excited to be managing Villa Vallerto," said Denise Bergstrom, vice president of association management of Keystone Pacific Property Management." With over 29 years of experience, we have conducted a smooth transition, which is key to ensure the association stays on the right track."

Built in 1973, Villa Vallerto offers an entry way, a pool, tot lot, laundry facilities, as well as manicured common area landscape. Keystone Pacific assumed professional management on December 1, 2011 and Brooks Paine, a certified community association manager, has been assigned as the manager for Villa Vallerto.

About Keystone Pacific Property Management

A leader in the community association management industry for more than 29 years, Keystone Pacific Property Management specializes exclusively in the management of common interest developments in Southern California. Currently, the firm manages over 40,000 units in master-planned, condominium, townhome, single-family home, mixed-use and commercial common interest developments. Keystone Pacific’s clients receive the best care and resources as the firm is committed to providing superior community association services. Keystone Pacific is one of the few local property management firms to have earned the Accredited Management Organization (AMO) designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and the Accredited Certified Management Firms (ACMF) in Southern California, certified through the California Association of Community Managers (CACM®). Headquartered inIrvine, Calif., Keystone Pacific also maintains offices in Rancho Santa Margarita and Temecula, Calif.

For more information, please contact Keystone Pacific at 1-877-KPPM-INC (577-6462) or visit www.keystonepacific.com.

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Lee and Associates Opens First Office in Florida

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Lee & Associates, one of the largest full-service commercial real estate firms in the country, has taken an important step in bolstering its Southeast presence with the opening of its first office in Florida, Lee & Associates Naples/Ft. Myers. The office is headed by Bob Johnston, Jerry Messonnier and Richard B. Clarke, who before joining Lee were the founders of one of Southwest Florida's top commercial brokerage firms, Grubb & Ellis/1st Commercial, LLC. The trio represents 70 years of commercial brokerage experience and an in-depth connection with Florida commercial real estate.

"With the addition of the Naples/Ft. Myers office, Lee caps 2011 with a banner year of a methodical and opportunistic strategy of nationwide expansion,"" said Edward Indvik, CEO of Lee & Associates. "We have a clear objective of focusing on exceptional talent and location, which speaks to the value we place on the Naples/Ft. Myers area and Jerry, Richard and Bob. Our plans for strategic expansion, which include the other major markets in Florida and the southeast and northeast, is on course and will continue through 2012 and beyond. I expect us to have announcements on several additional locations in the first quarter 2012 alone."

Lee & Associates Naples/Ft. Myers, which becomes the firm's 45th office nationwide, is located at 7950 Summerlin Lakes Drive, Ft. Myers. Nine brokers fill its roster and represent the industrial, office, retail and investment markets. The announcement comes one month after Lee opened a New York City location, which followed other significant new office openings in Atlanta, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Kan. and Greenville, S.C.

"While Florida, like the rest of the country, has been struggling with the economic downturn, beginning this year, commercial real estate has started to pick up momentum as more property becomes affordable," said Messonnier. "As a result, with our expertise in this region and the Lee & Associates national network, it's the perfect opportunity and match as we continue to grow in the Florida market."

Indeed, some key factors that are making the Southwest Florida market more attractive are low corporate taxes; proximity to major markets such as Tampa and Miami; extensive transportation infrastructure, including an expanding international airport; numerous educational institutions -- two universities and various two- and four-year colleges; the recent upswing in commercial activity in the Southwest Florida market along with the ongoing influx of major and small businesses to the area.

Overall, Florida, which has a GDP of $744 billion, is ranked as the fourth largest state economy in the United States. And according to a 2011 survey by Chief Executive Magazine, which polled 500 CEOs on a wide range of criteria, from taxation and regulation to workforce quality and living environment, Florida was ranked third in the nation as the best place for business.

In addition to Johnston, Messonnier and Clarke, other key figures in the Naples/Ft. Myers office include: Derek Bornhorst and Bob White, industrial specialists; Chuck Smith and Carols Acosta, retail specialists; Charles Jans, office specialist.

In 2008, Johnston and Messonnier, who led the southwest Florida industrial team at another national firm, were one of the top teams in the region's industrial market, left to form their own entity, Grubb & Ellis/1st Commercial LLC. The pair continues to dominate the industrial market with a 65 percent market share.

Before beginning his career in commercial brokerage, Messonnier spent 20 years in the commercial banking industry and was owner of his own real estate investment firm.

With 25 years of commercial real estate experience, Clarke specializes in property acquisitions and dispositions for national development and brokerage companies, asset management, development, construction and leasing. Prior, Clarke was Vice President of development for Opus South Corp. in Fla., working with private clients, lenders, asset managers and hedge funds.

Johnston, who has more than 20 years experience in selling and leasing industrial property, began his career in Southern California where he became familiar with the Lee & Associates business model whereby the office is controlled by the brokers, not corporate managers. "We are extremely excited about moving forward as we join with Lee & Associates, which shares the same values and goals we have," Johnston said.

About Lee & Associates

Celebrating more than 32 years of leadership excellence in commercial real estate, Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in the nation, with 45 locations across the nation including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. With a roster of nearly 700 expert brokers, Lee & Associates provides a wide range of specialized commercial real estate services. Additional information is available at www.lee-associates.com.

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Oregon Agent David Somerville Says Study Indicates Now May Be Ideal Time to Buy Portland Real Estate

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland REALTOR® David Somerville says recent housing stats released by S&P and Case/Shiller indicate that continued lower real estate prices in most markets nationwide along with sub-4% interest rates may mean buyers are getting more unprecedented opportunities to buy low. The nationwide study showed housing prices eased slightly in September on a year over year basis, meaning buyers are able to get more home now for less money.

Somerville says the benefit for Portland real estate buyers is compounded by the fact that interest rates on the 30 year fixed mortgage remain below 4%.

"This is truly an amazing time in the market for buyers who can get past the doom and gloom headlines. I believe many homeowners won't see prices this low again in their lifetime."

He says the market may not be good for everyone, though.

"Speculative money has left the market in a big way, but that's mostly a good thing for those who intend to own their home for years. House flippers and other short term speculators could get hurt, but if you want to buy a home and live in it for a long time, this market is a godsend."

Somerville says that in no other time in history have first time home buyers been able to get such low prices combined with low mortgage payments.

"Because of the speculative housing excesses that led to a peak in Portland home prices around 2006 and 2007, the banks still have a notable amount of foreclosures on their books. While the media like to see the negatives in this, it's actually a good thing for the right kind of buyer, especially on luxury Portland real estate and waterfront properties."

Asked what kind of buyer is the right kind of buyer, Somerville says "motivated ones."

"There are a lot of potential buyers held back by doom and gloom headlines. Those who can see the silver lining beyond the headlines are a step ahead, in my opinion."

About David Somerville

As resident of Portland for two decades, an owner of several Portland area investment properties, and 10 years a REALTOR¬Æ, Dave Somerville understands Portland real estatefrom the inside out. He has the ability to see a property‚Äôs potential, beyond its current condition and gives the buyer a vision of how a house could fit into their dreams through minor cosmetic changes or remodels. Dave covers all Portland area towns and suburbs, including Beaverton real estate, Hillsboro real estate, Lake Oswego real estate, West Linn real estate, and The Pearl District.

David Somerville
5 Centerpointe Dr. Suite 150
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
503-789-7633
http://www.maxwellsinclair.com

New York Veteran Joel Herskowitz Joins Lee & Associates NYC

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Joel Herskowitz, whose legacy in New York City commercial real estate brokerage spans 27 years, has joined the newly formed Lee & Associates NYC LLC. Herskowitz, the former president and CEO of Grubb & Ellis New York Inc., takes on the title of COO, and whose duties also include broker recruitment, which the Manhattan office has made one of its top priorities.

“Joel is a legend in this city and his knowledge and experience will be crucial as we move forward in developing this office,” said James Wacht, president of Lee & Associates NYC. “The transactions will be there, but what we need to do now is find those brokers with the experience, knowledge and attitude to mold this office into a top brokerage firm. That’s what Joel will provide – a strategy for recruitment and retention.”

On November 1, Sierra Realty Corp., one of New York City’s prominent full-service brokerage firms, partnered with Lee & Associates to become Lee & Associates NYC LLC. With this union, the firm joins a national roster of 700 brokers throughout the U.S. including offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, San Diego, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Dallas/Fort Worth and Atlanta. In addition to Wacht and Herskowitz, Peter Braus rounds up the executive team as executive VP and managing principal. Herskowitz will work with Wacht and Braus to recruit new brokers, manage the brokerage side of the business, and help facilitate the flow of referral business among the various Lee offices.

Wacht called Herskowitz’s resume a testament of his know-how and his hands-on approach in developing sales teams, recruitment, training and employee retention, sales and motivation techniques and team building. “Mr. Herskowitz knows what he’s doing. And the fact that he’s part of our team gives us a tremendous leg up on this front,” Wacht said.

From 2001-2006, Herskowitz was president and CEO of Grubb & Ellis New York Inc. In 2004, Grubb & Ellis recognized him as one of the three top executives on the national front for outstanding achievements, including earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), recruiting, retention, and return on revenues. In addition, he received a special award for being responsible for a 67 percent increase in annual revenue from 2003 to 2004. Before joining G&E, Herskowitz, known for his leasing expertise, was executive managing director of Newmark & Company, where he managed the firm’s national brokerage division. Herskowitz also spent time with Cushman & Wakefield and Cohen Brothers Realty Corp., where he held the title of vice president of leasing.

“My passion has always been to lead, build and inspire, and I’m fortunate to be getting the opportunity with Lee NYC,” said Herskowitz, who is also a managing partner with the firm. “This office has made clear its established goals. I have every intention of meeting those goals and then surpassing them.”

Edward Indvik, CEO of Lee & Associates, called Herskowitz’s role in the New York office crucial. “There’s no doubt of the respect and expertise Joel brings to our firm. We are extremely privileged to have someone like him on our team,” he said.

Herskowitz is currently a member of The Real Estate Board of New York and had served on The Commercial Board of Directors of The Real Estate Board of New York and Real Estate Board of New York’s Board of Governors.

About Lee & Associates

Celebrating more than 32 years of leadership excellence in commercial real estate, Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in the nation, with 44 locations across the nation including Arizona, California, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. With a roster of nearly 700 expert brokers, Lee & Associates provides a wide range of specialized commercial real estate services. Additional information is available at www.lee-associates.com.

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Lee and Associates Closes on $3.94 Million Industrial Sale in Ontario

ONTARIO, Calif. – Lee & Associates, the nation’s largest broker-owned commercial brokerage firm, has transacted the $3.94 million sale of the Class A Philadelphia Place Business Park located at 2810 Philadelphia St., in Ontario, Calif.

Jeff Smith and John Seoane of Lee & Associates’ Ontario office represented the seller, Lampson Beach Properties, which sold the property based on determinations of market conditions and the opportunity to affect a 1031 exchange for a property that had been of interest. The buyer, Summit Machine, will occupy the property for their own operations.

“When we started marketing the property there were a total of five buildings available for sale and 14 buildings for lease in the 40,000 to 50,000-square-foot range,” said Seoane. “This illustrates how demand for purchase far exceeds demand for lease, which contributed to the seller’s confidence in achieving a premium compared to recent sales.”

The 45,907-square-foot property, built in 2000, is considered a class “A,” newer product for its size range. “The limited supply of these types of properties and the correlated rise in prices allowed the seller to get very close to their asking price of $4 million,” added Smith.

About Lee & Associates

Celebrating more than 32 years of leadership excellence in commercial real estate, Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in the nation, with 44 locations across the nation including Arizona, California, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Wisconsin. With a roster of nearly 700 expert brokers, Lee & Associates provides a wide range of specialized commercial real estate services. Additional information is available at www.lee-associates.com.

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Lee and Associates Closes $20 Million Plus Office Transaction

LONG BEACH, Calif. — In one of the largest transactions in Long Beach this year, Lee & Associates, one of the nation's leading commercial real estate providers, has closed a sales transaction of more than $20 million for the Park Tower, a 119,287-square-foot office building located at 5150 Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach, Calif. The sale price of the off-market transaction could not be disclosed.

George Thomson of Lee & Associates Orange represented the buyer, an affiliate of New York-based private equity firm Investcorp International, Inc. George Thomson and Marshal Vogt also played a key role in raising Park Tower's occupancy rate from 38 percent to 96 percent in only 18 months preceding the sale.

Thomson and Vogt have more than 30 years of combined office brokerage experience and service both the Long Beach and Orange County areas.

About Lee & Associates

Celebrating more than 32 years of leadership excellence in commercial real estate, Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in the nation, with 44 locations across the nation including Arizona, California, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Wisconsin. With a roster of nearly 700 expert brokers, Lee & Associates provides a wide range of specialized commercial real estate services. Additional information is available at www.lee-associates.com.

About Press Release Distribution

This release is distributed in part by Press Release Distribution Associates, specializing in real estate press releases. For information on 20 Ballad Circle, Holbrook, NY and 20 Skipper Dr, West Islip, NY, see Boston Real Estate.

Mountain Real Estate Capital Acquires $84 Million Loan Portfolio from First Federal S&L

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Mountain Real Estate Capital (MREC) (www.mountainrecapital.com) announces the acquisition of a loan portfolio from First Federal Savings and Loan Association ("First Federal") in Charleston, S.C. An affiliate of Sandler O'Neill acted as exclusive financial advisor to First Federal in the asset sale which closed October 27, 2011. The portfolio is made up of 148 performing and non-performing loans totaling $84 million in loan balance. The loans are secured primarily by residential development properties in the Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and Kiawah Island areas of South Carolina.

"First Federal is the 28th bank we have acquired assets from since 2010, and we hope to acquire several more portfolios before the year ends," observes Peter Fioretti, MREC’s CEO. Since 2010, MREC has purchase assets in 10 states and has committed $270 million to acquire bank notes and REO, encompassing over 12,000 lots/homes and 9,000 acres with projected sales exceeding $1.2 billion. "Our in-house underwriting and asset management teams are composed mostly of former GMAC REO professionals whose group we acquired in 2009. This allows us to quickly assess these A&D portfolios and gives us and advantage over less experienced opportunity funds."

Mountain Real Estate Capital is the equity investment arm of the Mountain Real Estate Group, founded in 1993 by its CEO, Peter Fioretti. Other affiliates include its lending group, Mountain Funding, and its management group, Mountain Asset Management. MREC is focused on three types of investments:

• Acquisition of bank REO and NPL portfolios
• Joint ventures with national and regional homebuilders to develop and sell residential lots and houses
• Acquisition of opportunistic assets for its own account or in partnership with developers

MREC is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., where its bank portfolio underwriting team is headed by Keith Alexander. Its homebuilder joint venture and asset management groups are based in Minneapolis, and its national origination team has additional offices in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Richmond, and Newport Beach.

"Being headquartered in nearby Charlotte will facilitate our effort to work closely with our borrowers. This will also present a great opportunity for us to team up with the developer and builder relationships we have cultivated in the Carolina markets to jointly develop assets we come to own," states MREC’s chief investment officer, Arthur Nevid. "We have successfully purchased assets from banks throughout North Carolina and Georgia, so this new portfolio located throughout South Carolina will neatly fit into our asset management footprint."

About Mountain Real Estate Group

Since 1993, The Mountain Real Estate Group has been a leading private capital source for real estate developers, builders and operators seeking to enhance value in their existing projects or to take advantage of new opportunities. In the current environment, developers and builders have been teaming up with Mountain Real Estate Capital nationally to capitalize on the opportunities currently available, either through the restructure of their existing equity or debt arrangements or the joint purchase of a newly identified distressed opportunity. Mountain’s equity fund is organized to invest up to $1 billion in these types of opportunities. For more information, visit www.mountainregroup.com.

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EXIT Realty Continues Support of Habitat for Humanity with Quarter Million Dollar Pledge

Mississauga, ON – At its 13th annual convention held recently in Nashville, EXIT Realty Corp. International continued its corporate sponsorship of Habitat for Humanity pledging a further $250,000 bringing the total pledges to-date to $2.25 million.

"We're so proud to be associated with an organization like Habitat for Humanity," said EXIT Realty Founder and CEO, Steve Morris. "Habitat's philosophy of providing a hand up, rather than a hand out, is right in line with our corporate philosophy."

A portion of every transaction fee collected by EXIT Realty Corp. International is earmarked for Habitat and to-date, the company has sponsored 17 home builds across the continent. The most recent build was in Nashville just prior to the kick off of the convention.

EXIT Realty partnered with Nashville homeowner, Stella Johnson, a 22-year-old single mother of three children. She will finish her sociology degree next year and works full-time after her job was eliminated following the devastating 2010 floods. Moving her children to a safer neighborhood was paramount in Johnson's decision to apply to Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity, which requires homeowner families to invest 200 hours of sweat equity, which includes classroom instruction and helping build their own and other homes.

"This has definitely been the best experience of my life - it's very life-changing for me and my children," said Johnson. "I'm very appreciative of EXIT Realty for giving me the opportunity of homeownership that I probably never would have had. The neighborhood is beautiful compared to where I live now. Moving will give me a fresh start and the opportunity to start my kids off on the right track. It's a good change that I need right now."

Along with the dedication ceremony for Johnson's home being held this month, EXIT Realty is also dedicating a home in partnership with Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity in Salt Lake City, Utah.

"Habitat for Humanity makes the dream of homeownership come true with so many wonderful families like Stella's," said Morris. "EXIT Realty is privileged to be a part of it."

About EXIT Realty: EXIT is a proven real estate business model that supplies single-level residual income - for agents, security, stability and direction; for agents' families, security in the form of beneficiary and retirement residuals. EXIT’s MIND-SET Training Systems offer the industry’s best hands-on, interactive sales training. State-of-the-art technology, including the Digital Marketing Strategy, gives agents the edge in a competitive marketplace. A portion of every transaction fee collected by EXIT International is applied to its charitable fund. To-date, $2.25 Million has been pledged to Habitat for Humanity. For more information, please visit www.exitrealty.com.

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San Jose Property Management Firm Says Silicon Valley Investment Property Still In The Black

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Jerry Garrity with San Jose property management company First Statewide Realty says it's still possible, even in these tough economic times, to maintain a positive cash flow on real estate investments.

As property values fluctuate with regional and macroeconomic factors, he says his investor clients stay in the game through smart investing and expert property management.

"Seasoned investors know that property management services belong in the asset column, not the expense column on the balance sheet. With the right mix of savvy investing and conservative property management, we can keep our clients in the black when others cannot."

Garrity says the reasons his clients are still able to stay positive is that they have a plan and are sticking with it.

"So many investors try to chase the market up and down, but that's more like speculation than investing. We help our clients evaluate potential deals to add to their portfolio drawing from our experience in all types of marketing conditions."

He says that while investors and speculators alike can get discouraged about property values, those who stick with a long term plan with tight controls on expenses will come out ahead.

"We've weathered several bull and bear markets in real estate. Consequently, so have our clients. I think that says a lot."

About First Statewide Realty

First Statewide Realty is a professional San Jose property management company specializing in quality single family homes, condominiums, town houses and other San Jose investment property in the greater San Jose metropolitan area. The company is active in the Cupertino property management business and has been in business for over 21 years, and is a member of the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors, Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, Tri-County Apartment Association and National Association of Residential Property Managers.

Jerry Garrity REALTOR®
First Statewide Realty
20045 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Suite 2-D
Cupertino, CA 95014
Tel: 408-253-1000
Lic#: 01036982
Email: investments@firststatewiderealty.com
http://www.firststatewiderealty.com

Westchester County Real Estate Broker Launches New York Real Estate Search Website

Westchester, NY - Westchester real estate broker J. Philip Faranda of J. Philip Real Estate has launched a new website designed for consumers to more easily search for New York real estate. The site, www.HomeSpotters.com, breaks down the local real estate markets into counties and their most popular cities, making it easy for buyers to find current homes for sale.

Faranda says clients in several counties have already commented on how easy the site is to navigate and find properties their looking for.

"Since we service a large area, the challenge was to make the site useful for home buyers in widely different parts of New York."

He says the site features prominently Westchester real estate, along with real estate in Rockland County, Putnam, Dutchess, and Orange Counties in New York, but the site is expected to expand rapidly to include more New York counties.

"One of the best ways for buyers to experience the site is to save their search so they can get email alerts when new properties come on the market matching their search criteria." According to Faranda, the site is not just attractive to buyers.

"If you're selling your New York home, our new site has thousands of pages indexed by Google already. We can get your listing the online exposure it needs to get sold in today's market."

About J. Philip Real Estate

J. Philip Faranda is broker and owner of J. Philip Real Estate in Briarcliff Manor, NY which he founded in 2005. The firm is one of the premier independent boutique brokerages in Westchester County, serving all of Westchester as well as nearby Rockland, Putnam and Dutchess Counties. There are 23 licensees with the company, which has grown throughout this challenging market period.

Philip has appeared on ABC World News, and been a source for MSNBC On the Money, The New York Times, The New York Post, Associated Press, Gannett, AOL, The Real Deal, 1010Wins.com, Smart Money, MSN Money and various other media outlets. An industry veteran since 1996, he is one of the top-selling broker agents for single family transaction totals in the Empire Access MLS since 2007 (ranking in the top 10 out of over 7000 members), and is the Vice President of the Empire Access (formerly Westchester-Putnam) Multiple Listing Service.

For more information, please contact:

J. Philip Faranda REALTOR®
J. Philip Real Estate LLC
522 N. State Rd
Briarcliff Manor NY 10510
914-450-8883

Orlando REALTOR Says Selling Orland Real Estate Still Makes Financial Sense For Some Homeowners

ORLANDO, Fla. - Many potential Orlando area home sellers have been discouraged by weak real estate prices from selling their homes, but Florida real estate agent Jonathan de Jesus says selling still makes financial sense for many homeowners.

This is because the changes in homeowners' lives aren't always timed with the Orlando real estate market, he says.

"There are always families who need to move due to a job transfer or other relocation necessity, and this can mean they need to sell their home regardless of what the market is doing. I can help clients in that situation to make the best of it."

He also says some homeowners such as empty nesters may financially benefit from downsizing to a smaller home. Perhaps they want to downsize from a large Lake Mary home to Downtown Orlando condo with less upkeep.

Even if there is little or no equity on the home being sold, de Jesus says that the change can make a lot of financial sense to reduce monthly expenses, often giving the homeowner the ability to move to a bigger home for less money.

"Many would be surprised at how their financial picture could improve by selling now. The market turmoil in recent years is a blessing for those who are able put the weak market to their advantage by buying, even it means selling first."

Too often, he says owners refuse to sell for emotional reasons rather than rational financial ones.

"I've had many cases where it penciled out to be a better financial decision to sell a home at a loss and buy another one cheaper than to continue making payments on a smaller, less attractive home."

About Dominium Realty Group

Dominium Realty Group is a leader in residential real estate brokerage services in Florida. Through a perfect blend of an experienced team of real estate professionals and the commitment to exceed clients’ expectations, Dominium is able to confidently deliver solutions for all types of individuals’ requirements.

 

For more information, please contact:

Jonathan De Jesus REALTOR®
Dominium Realty Group
6236 Kingspointe Parkway #10
Orlando, Fl 32819
407-588-7828
http://www.florida-real-estate.pro/

Tightening Supply of Meridian Homes Could Benefit Sellers According To Idaho Real Estate Agent John Espinosa

Meridian, ID – As existing home inventory in Meridian, Idaho shrinks, local real estate agent John Espinosa says sellers can benefit by seizing the opportunity in the market to get a better price than they might have gotten otherwise.

Espinosa says that while the market is not a seller's market by any means, some sellers would be smart to sell now rather than later. Owners in this situation might be those who know they're going to need to sell their Idaho real estate within the next year or two anyway, or those who are having trouble making payments on their existing mortgage.

"Sellers are definitely competing hard for a limited pool of buyers right now, but the timing is everything, and with Meridian real estate inventory shrinking, there is a smaller pool of homes to choose from."

He says that with an experienced marketing plan that is designed to get his clients' homes sold in this tough market, it's possible to capitalize on the changing market conditions to his clients' benefit.

"We encourage anyone who has thought about listing their Caldwell real estate or home in Boise, Nampa, Eagle, Kuna, Star, Middleton, or Meridian to contact us. We'll share our proven strategy for selling their Idaho real estate in any market.

About John Espinosa

John Espinosa is an Idaho real estate agent specializing in the Treasure Valley. Covering Boise to Parma and everything in between, John is an expert on Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, Eagle real estate, Kuna, Star, Middleton, and Meridian.

John Espinosa
RE/MAX Advantage
5680 E Franklin Rd, Suite 100
Nampa ID 83687
208-484-7837
http://www.meridianidhomes.com
john@espirealestate.com

Bowman Consulting Expands Transportation Services - Hires Three Specialists

Responding to increased market demand, Bowman Consulting has expanded its existing transportation services in the areas of traffic engineering, transportation planning, roadway design, right-of-way acquisition and relocation assistance services. Three strategic hires have joined the firm to enhance the firm's capabilities in these areas:

Sr. Transportation Project Manager John D. Riley, PE joins Bowman as a traffic engineer and project manager in its transportation services group. In this role, Riley is responsible for securing and managing transportation-related projects in the public and private sector in the firm's Richmond office.

For most of his 12-year career, Riley worked as a project manager for Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. During his time there, he prepared traffic studies, traffic signal designs, and transportation plans and was successful in generating new business in local, state, federal and private land development markets primarily in Central Virginia. Riley earned both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and is a licensed professional engineer. He is a member of VASITE and lives in Midlothian, Virginia.

Transportation Project Engineer Steven Schmidt, EIT delivers technical solutions as a transportation project engineer in the firm's Richmond office, including planning and design, technical studies and modeling activities.

Schmidt has seven years of experience, and most recently was a transportation consultant with Balzer and Associates in Richmond, Virginia, where he established and led the traffic engineering department. Schmidt graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and is a designated Engineer-in-Training. He lives in Richmond, Virginia.

Senior Right-of-Way Project Manager Ronnie Van Cleve brings 36 years of land acquisition, right-of-way engineering and consulting experience to Bowman's transportation services group as a senior project manager in the firm's Price Williams office.

After a 30-year career with Washington Gas, Van Cleve recently held positions as a Senior Right-of-Way Agent with the Prince William County Department of Transportation and as a Senior Right-of-Way Project Manager with Greenhorne & O'Mara Consulting Engineers in Richmond, Virginia. Van Cleve is actively involved with the International Right-of-Way Association. He lives in Manassas, Virginia.

About Bowman Consulting

Established in 1995, Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. (Bowman) delivers expert land development and infrastructure solutions to real estate, energy, institutional, corporate, and governmental markets throughout the country. Key services include civil engineering, planning, landscape architecture, surveying, water/wastewater, environmental, geothermal energy, and transportation consulting. It also offers a zoning and regulatory expertise to its clients at the local, state and federal levels. Awards include: ENR Magazine (Top 500 Design Firms), The Zweig Letter (The 100 Fastest-Growing U.S. A/E/P & Environmental Consulting Firms), Washington Business Journal (Fastest-Growing Companies in the Washington Region), and Inc. Magazine (Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the U.S.). For additional information, please visit www.bowmanconsulting.com.

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Lee and Associates Opens its First Office in New York City

New York, NY - Lee & Associates announces yet another significant strategic move in both its Northeast and national expansion efforts as the commercial brokerage firm enters the New York market with the establishment of Lee & Associates NYC LLC. Located in the heart of Manhattan, Lee & Associates NYC becomes the firm's 44th office in the U.S. and its second in the Northeast.

The NYC office has been formed through a merger with Sierra Realty Corp., and follows a series of recent Lee office openings in Atlanta, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Kan. and Greenville, S.C. The opening of the New York office underscores Lee's methodical and opportunistic strategy of nationwide expansion through 2011 and 2012. Lee & Associates has grown from 30 nationwide offices in 2007 to 44 today.

"The creation of Lee & Associates NYC couldn't have come at a more perfect time," said Edward J. Indvik, CEO of Lee & Associates. "As the largest regional economy in the U.S., New York City has unlimited potential. New York's large and growing population and the magnitude of its economic activity translate into unequalled real estate activity. Not only does this move strengthen Lee & Associates' national presence, it gives us a premier local office in one of the country's most vital commercial real estate markets."

With a population of more than 8.3 million, an inventory of over 400 million square feet of office space and 105 million square feet of retail space, the Manhattan commercial real estate market is beginning to see its strongest numbers since before the recession. Both leasing volume and rental rates have been steadily increasing over the past year. Leasing activity has averaged more than 29 million square feet of space over each of the last five years. Rental rates in Manhattan also are on the upswing with asking rents in excess of $100 per square foot for top-quality Class A office space calls and prime retail space asking more than $1,500 per square foot.

Lee & Associates NYC LLC is headed by President and CEO James Wacht, EVP Peter Braus and COO Joel Herskowitz.

"New York City is ripe for the establishment of a new national real estate brokerage company, and partnering with Sierra Realty allows Lee & Associates to quickly realize its mission of growing on a national level," Wacht said. "Lee & Associates' impressive history and brokers-as-owners business model will bring a fresh dimension to the New York scene, as all current and future agents, owners and employees will benefit from stepping away from the traditional, business-as-usual broker model. In Sierra Realty, Lee & Associates will benefit from gaining a well-established office with nearly 60 years' worth of experience in New York City with several diverse but synergistic lines of business. This includes the acquisition and ownership of investment properties, the management of residential and commercial rental properties, the furnishing of construction management services and the performance of brokerage services for landlords and tenants alike."

Sierra Realty was founded in 1953, primarily as a property investment and management company. Wacht joined the company in 1989 and became its principal owner in 2000. Braus joined the company in 2001 after having worked as a retail leasing broker with New Spectrum Realty Services and Newmark Knight Frank. They then embarked on an ambitious plan to grow all facets of Sierra's business. Today, Sierra is a full-service real estate company, having grown into one of New York's most well-respected commercial brokerage and property management firms, employing 14 retail brokers and salespeople and managing more than 50 commercial and residential properties. Sierra also owns, through affiliated companies, interests in a diverse portfolio of more than 20 office buildings and rental apartment buildings throughout New York. And in 2010, an affiliate company, Sierra Development Associates LLC, was formed to focus on construction management and development.

Lee Associates NYC has been created with Herskowitz stepping in as its chief operating officer. A well-known and respected industry veteran with more than 27 years of experience overseeing the brokerage business of several prominent New York brokerage companies, Herskowitz will work with Wacht and Braus to recruit new brokers and manage the brokerage side of the business.

"Affiliating with Lee & Associates to form Lee & Associates NYC LLC gives us the national platform and resources we need to significantly increase our commercial brokerage capabilities," Wacht said. "We are actively recruiting experienced commercial brokers looking not just to earn leasing commissions but to actively participate as owners in the growth of our new business. Not only will brokers be offered the opportunity to participate as owners in the newly created office but they will also be given the opportunity to participate as investors in buildings that we acquire. We also anticipate significant referral activity from the other 43 Lee & Associates offices and are actively pursuing several of those leads."

Indvik expects Lee & Associates to benefit from gaining a diversified team steeped in tradition, office and retail expertise, with an undisputed track record.

"Wacht and his colleagues already are poised for growth in the New York market, and now as Lee & Associates NYC, the office will be able to feed off the resources our firm possesses as a completely broker-owned entity among the Lee & Associates network of offices."

About Lee & Associates

Celebrating more than 32 years of leadership excellence in commercial real estate, Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in the nation, with 44 locations across the nation including Arizona, California, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. With a roster of nearly 700 expert brokers, Lee & Associates provides a wide range of specialized commercial real estate services. Additional information is available at www.lee-associates.com.

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This release is distributed in part by Press Release Distribution Associates, specializing in real estate press releases. For information on Ben Ganje of Downtown Resource Group, see Real Estate Ratings.

Keystone Pacific Property Management Promotes Griselda Sapiens to Management Division

Irvine, CA - Keystone Pacific Property Management, a leading community association management company providing management services to community associations throughout Southern California, has recently promoted Griselda Sapiens to management division project coordinator. Sapiens served as a receptionist since joining the firm in 2007.

"Keystone Pacific is very proud to announce Griselda’s well-deserved promotion," said Denise Bergstrom, vice president of association management of Keystone Pacific Property Management. "Griselda’s attention to detail and organizational skills make her the perfect choice for this position".

In her new position, Sapiens assists the CEO and Vice President of Association Management by tracking annual requirements, document preparation and distribution deadlines to ensure timely delivery of association materials to clients.

About Keystone Pacific Property Management

A leader in the community association management industry for more than 29 years, Keystone Pacific Property Management specializes exclusively in the management of common interest developments in Southern California. Currently, the firm manages over 40,000 units in master-planned, condominium, townhome, single-family home, mixed-use and commercial common interest developments. Keystone Pacific’s clients receive the best care and resources as the firm is committed to providing superior community association services. Keystone Pacific is one of the few local property management firms to have earned the Accredited Management Organization (AMO) designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and the Accredited Certified Management Firms (ACMF) in Southern California, certified through the California Association of Community Managers (CACM®). Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Keystone Pacific also maintains offices in Rancho Santa Margarita and Temecula, Calif.

For more information, please contact Keystone Pacific at 1-877-KPPM-INC (577-6462) or visit www.keystonepacific.com.

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Lee and Associates Negotiates Purchase and Sale of 11,200 SF Industrial Building

Huntington Beach, CA - Lee & Associates, the nation's largest broker-owned commercial brokerage firm, has completed the purchase and sale of an 11,200-square-foot industrial building at 15311-15323 Pipeline Lane in Huntington Beach, Calif. The 100-percent leased building sold for $1.2 million or $107.14/square foot. The building was marketed by another firm for a year. Lee & Associates sold the building within 60 days of listing the property for an all-cash close.

Lee & Associates Irvine Senior VP Brian Garbutt represented the seller, Medina Family Trust, while Senior VP Darin McDonald of Lee & Associates' Newport Beach office represented the buyer, WFT, LLC.

About Lee & Associates

Celebrating 32 years of leadership excellence in commercial real estate, Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in the nation, with 43 locations across the nation including California, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Nevada, Texas, South Carolina and Wisconsin. With a roster of more than 600 expert brokers, Lee & Associates provides a wide range of specialized commercial real estate services. Additional information is available at www.lee-associates.com

About Press Release Distribution

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Westwood Financial Corp. Makes Another Value-Add Retail Purchase

Tempe, AZ - Westwood Financial Corp., one of the largest owner-operators of shopping centers in the U.S., has purchased the 24,452-square-foot Crossroads of Tempe retail center in the Arizona town. It is the company's latest transaction toward the company's value-add program, to which it has earmarked $100 million in purchases.

"Crossroads of Tempe fits into our strategy to acquire distressed assets in these kinds of markets," said Westwood Financial Executive VP Joe Dykstra, noting that WFC has recently purchased three additional notes and is in the process of foreclosing on each one. "This is the seventh such acquisition we've made in the past 12 months, as we continue seeking $1 million-$10 million strip centers in good locations."

The 2004-built Crossroads of Tempe is at 315-325 W. Elliot Road and is 45-percent leased. With strong national tenants including Chase Bank, Massage Envy and AZ Bread Company as current tenants, Dykstra thinks the property has great lease-up potential.

"This asset has good in-place income with upside and sits at a busy intersection in an in-fill location with dense demographics," Dykstra said.

Westwood purchased the property from CMBS Trust, which was represented by special services LNR Partners. It is the 16th property Westwood owns in the Tempe/Phoenix market and 19th overall in the state.

The acquisition follows Westwood's recent purchase of the Stroh Ranch Retail Center, a 6,336-square-foot property at 12937 S. Parker Road in Parker, Colo.

About Westwood Financial Corp.

Westwood Financial Corp., is one of the largest privately held owner-operators of retail properties in the U.S., with a track record spanning 40 years. Based in Los Angeles with satellite offices in Atlanta, Dallas and Scottsdale, Ariz., the firm currently has a portfolio consisting of more than 100 shopping centers and retail properties in 24 metropolitan markets. Founded in 1970 by Steven Fogel and Howard Banchik, the firm has evolved into a fully integrated real estate company that acquires, leases, and manages its real estate portfolio. The firm implements an acquisition strategy that focuses primarily on mature neighborhood, grocery anchored shopping centers with portfolio holdings in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington. For more information, please visit www.westfin.com.

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Lee and Associates Completes $2 Million Office Sale Transaction

Aliso Viejo, CA - Lee & Associates, the nation's largest broker-owned commercial brokerage firm, has completed the $1.95 million sale of a 7,068-square-foot, single-story, pre-school facility located at 10 Mareblu in Aliso Viejo, Calif. Senior Vice President Allen Basso of Lee's Irvine office handled the transaction.

About Lee & Associates

Celebrating 32 years of leadership excellence in commercial real estate, Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in the nation, with 43 locations across the nation including California, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Nevada, Texas, South Carolina and Wisconsin. With a roster of more than 600 expert brokers, Lee & Associates provides a wide range of specialized commercial real estate services. Additional information is available at www.lee-associates.com

Press Release Distribution

This release is distributed in part by Press Release Distribution Associates, specializing in real estate press releases. For information on Fiddlers Creek, see Marco Island Real Estate.

CaliforniaListingAgent.com Announces Launch of Real Estate Marketing Site

Los Angeles, CA - CaliforniaListingAgent.com, a new real estate marketing website focused on the needs of California listing agents has launched its new website designed for agents to get noticed by home sellers.

Agents have long understood that have a large arsenal of listings is the surest way to build a steady flow of real estate busines, whether on the buyer or seller side. Since listings provide a financial incentive to advertise, a larger number of listings generally means the agent is highly visible in the community.

Kevin Harper, owner of CaliforniaListingAgent.com and expert in web marketing and real estate SEO, says the new site breaks new ground because of its powerfully simple concept.

"We're providing the easiest real estate agent directory out there for home owners to use. It's literally one page, and every California city can be linked directly to the agent's website."

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Harper
CaliforniaListingAgent.com
Top Seller Sites, LLC
13601 W. McMillan Dr.
Suite 102-133
Boise, ID 83731
208-249-8893

 

Keystone Pacific Property Management Welcomes Brittany Smith to Its Team as a New Development Community Association Manager

Irvine, CA - Keystone Pacific Property Management, a leading community association management company providing management services to community associations throughout Southern California, welcomes Brittany Smith to its team as a new development community association manager based out of the Irvine office. With a background in property management, Brittany will be providing her expertise and support on the management of several new development communities throughout Orange County.

“Brittany is a dynamic professional who will be a great addition to the new development team,” said Denise Bergstrom, vice president of association management of Keystone Pacific Property Management. “Her extensive experience and industry knowledge will enable her to successfully manage her communities as well as provide excellent service to our clients.”

Smith is also currently pursuing the Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM) certification through the California Association of Community Managers.

About Keystone Pacific Property Management

A leader in the community association management industry for more than 29 years, Keystone Pacific Property Management specializes exclusively in the management of common interest developments in Southern California. Currently, the firm manages over 40,000 units in master-planned, condominium, townhome, single-family home, mixed-use and commercial common interest developments. Keystone Pacific’s clients receive the best care and resources as the firm is committed to providing superior community association services.
Keystone Pacific is one of the few local property management firms to have earned the Accredited Management Organization (AMO) designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and the Accredited Certified Management Firms (ACMF) in Southern California, certified through the California Association of Community Managers (CACM®). Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Keystone Pacific also maintains offices in Rancho Santa Margarita and Temecula, Calif.

For more information, please contact Keystone Pacific at 1-877-KPPM-INC (577-6462) or visit www.keystonepacific.com.

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Key West Real Estate Agent Sean Farrer Launches New Property Search Website

Key West, FL - Key West REALTOR® Sean Farrer of Coldwell Banker/Schmitt Real Estate Co. is launching a brand new property search website that is designed to help buyers find the kinds of properties they are looking for 30% faster than other sites.

It does this by providing quick links directly to various Key West real estate types, such as single family homes, waterfront property, condos, foreclosures, short sales, and more.

Farrer, who specializes in Old Town Key West, Key West, Key Haven and Stock Island, and the Lower Keys, says that the new site, located at http://key-west-real-estate.net, has an advanced but easy to use search engine to fine tune property searches in great detail.

"We're allowing buyers to search fields that used to only be accessible to agents through the MLS. Our philosophy is to provide our clients with as much information as possible to help them find the perfect property."

He says he has a wide variety of clients ranging from British and Australian buyers to seasonal residents from colder climates who are excited about the new tools available to search for Key West homes.

"One of the best time-saving tools on the site is the property alert system to notify buyers when listings come on the market that match their criteria."

He says that if you're searching for Key West condos and a new listing hits the MLS, you'll be notified by email so you'll have a better chance at getting to properties before others even know they are on the market.

"We're encouraging potential Key West home buyers to sign up for a free account so they can test drive the site and get notified of new listings."

About Sean Farrer

Sean Farrer is a Key West real estate agent specializing in Old Town Key West, Key West, Key Haven and Stock Island, and the Lower Keys, including Big Coppitt Key, Bay Point, Sugarloaf Key, Cudjoe Key, Ramrod Key, Summerland Key, Little Torch Key, and Big Pine Key. He is with Coldwell Banker/Schmitt Real Estate Co.

Sean Farrer, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker/Schmitt Real Estate Co.
1201 #101 White St
Key West, FL 33040
http://key-west-real-estate.net/
keysrealestate@bellsouth.net
305-924-0700

More Information:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=576525947
http://twitter.com/KeyWestRealty1
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sean-farrer-p-a/15/a19/a31

Lee and Associates Closes $6.85 Million Land Sale

Solana Beach, CA - Lee & Associates, one of the largest national commercial real estate brokerage firms, has closed a $6.85 million sale of 1.76 acres of coastal land located at 329 & 343 S. Highway and 101/120 & 128 Dahlia Dr. in Solana Beach, Calif.

Principals Steve Bruce and Matt Weaver of Lee & Associates represented both the seller, Maganda Corporation, and the buyer, American Assets Trust, in this off-market transaction. Maganda is a privately-held family corporation and American Assets Trust is a full-service real estate investment trust that owns, operates, acquires and develops retail, office and multifamily properties in California, Hawaii and Oregon.

According to lead broker on the deal, Steve Bruce, this deal is one of the largest coastal commercial land transactions to sell in the past five years. American Assets Trust purchased the land with the intention of redeveloping the site for commercial/residential use.

"The site has been in great need of redevelopment. American Assets is an excellent owner who will develop the land to its highest and best use, while also giving the Solana Beach community a much desired mixed-use project," said Bruce.

About Lee & Associates

Celebrating more than 32 years of leadership excellence in commercial real estate, Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in the nation, with 43 locations across the nation including Arizona, California, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Texas and Wisconsin. With a roster of nearly 700 expert brokers, Lee & Associates provides a wide range of specialized commercial real estate services. Additional information is available at www.lee-associates.com.

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About Key West Real Estate

Sean Farrer is a local Key West real estate agent specializing in commercial and residential properties, including Key West foreclosures and condos.

Lee and Associates Madison Finalizes 24,000-SF of Retail Lease

Madison, WI - The Madison, Wisconsin office of Lee & Associates, one of the nation's largest commercial real estate firms, has completed $2.8 million of leases at The Shoppes at Hartford; a 24,000-square-foot retail center in Hartford, Wis. Steve Doran and Todd Waller represented the ownership group on all transactions.

Located next to a new Wal-Mart Super Center, Lee Madison had the center 75-percent pre-leased before construction commenced and 100-percent leased before construction was finalized. Construction commenced April 1, and all tenants are expected to open before Christmas 2011.

The lessees at the 24,000-square-foot center include Dollar Tree (8,000 SF), Game Stop (2,000 SF), Maurices (5,000 SF), Hibbett Sports (5,000 SF), Cash Store (1,300 SF), Great Clips (1,300 SF) and World Finance (1,400 SF).

About Lee & Associates

Celebrating 32 years of leadership excellence in commercial real estate, Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in the nation, with 43 locations across the nation including California, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. With a roster of more than 600 expert brokers, Lee & Associates provides a wide range of specialized commercial real estate services. Additional information is available at www.lee-associates.com.

About Press Release Distribution Associates

This release is distributed in part by Press Release Distribution Associates, specializing in real estate press releases. For information on Key West real estate, see Real Estate Press Releases.

Lee and Associates Negotiates $4 Million Industrial Sales Transaction

Brea, CA - Lee & Associates, one of the largest national commercial real estate providers with regional expertise, has closed a $4 million sales transaction for a 45,560-square-foot industrial building located at 1425 Moonstone Street in Brea, Calif.

Luke Hudson and Scott Seal of Lee & Associates' Orange office represented the buyer, Nail Harmony. Tom Dorman of CB Richard Ellis and Ian Britton and Colliers International represented the seller, Cohen Asset Management.

"The dynamics of this sale were incredible and it completely firms up the notion of a sound business, in a growing phase, capitalizing on the current economics," said Hudson. "Our client was in a position to purchase two adjacent, above standard industrial buildings at pricing points of 2003. Although we're experiencing a recent shake up in buyer's confidence due to the market volatility, we are still finding motivated buyers and sellers in the market."

About Lee & Associates

Celebrating more than 32 years of leadership excellence in commercial real estate, Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in the nation, with 43 locations across the nation including Arizona, California, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Texas and Wisconsin. With a roster of nearly 700 expert brokers, Lee & Associates provides a wide range of specialized commercial real estate services. Additional information is available at www.lee-associates.com.

About Press Release Distribution Associates

This release is distributed in part by Press Release Distribution Associates, specializing in real estate press releases. For information on Portland real estate copywriting and distribution, see Real Estate Press Releases.

Portland Real Estate Agent Offers Tips For Buyers To Close Fast on Bank Owned Property

Portland, OR - Portland REALTOR® David Somerville has published a list of Tips For Buyers To Close Fast on Bank Owned Portland Real Estate. He says that while many agents don't take the time to educate their clients, following a few simple guidelines leads to a much more satisfying buying experience.

In a market that sees a lot of Portland real estate transactions needlessly falling out of escrow, Somerville says that it is possible to not only close on time, but early, if a few simple steps are taken in advance.

"Number one on the list of ways to ensure a fast closing is to make an all cash offer. Of course, not everyone can do that, so I've put together some tips that many buyers will be able to take advantage of to expedite their closing."

The tips include:

1. Make an all cash offer
2. Sell your current home before making an offer on another one
3. Get preapproved with a mortgage broker, not just prequalified
4. If possible, get your loan from the bank that is selling the property
5. Tighten inspection timelines to 3 business days instead of the standard 10
6. Have mortgage broker order appraisal 2 business days after offer acceptance
7. Have certified funds to escrow prior to signing closing documents
8. Don't make any last minute credit purchases

For more detailed information on these tips, go to http://bit.ly/ojjgqb. For Portland real estate listings including The Pearl District and other Portland neighborhoods, go to http://www.maxwellsinclair.com.

For more information, please contact:

David Somerville
Prudential Northwest Properties
5 Centerpointe Dr. Suite 150
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
503-789-7633
http://www.maxwellsinclair.com

REALTOR® Joe Maez Tweets Deals On New Mexico's Albuquerque Real Estate All Day Long

Albuquerque, NM - With the explosion of social media, a Realtor's job is never done, according to Joe Maez, a top producing real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty Westside.

According to Maez, who helps buyers and sellers with their Albuquerque real estate transactions, including adjacent communities such as Los Lunas, Corrales, and Rio Rancho, social media has simply created more avenues to connect with the public.

"It's a business that's very customer-centered, it's always a good thing to connect and communicate with the public, so I embrace it."

He says he knows of agents who run from the extra bit of social interaction, but he's found that social media like Facebook and Twitter are simply tools to stay in touch and convey useful information.

"Whether I'm staying in touch with friends, family, and real estate watchers on Facebook, or Tweeting about Los Lunas real estate or Rio Rancho real estate, I look at the prevalence of social media as one of the best things that's happened in real estate."

For more information, contact:

Joe Maez, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Westside
8100 Wyoming Blvd NE, M4 #234
Albuquerque, NM 87113
505-401-5775

http://www.nmhomesplus.com
https://www.facebook.com/themaezgroup
https://twitter.com/#!/joemaez

Idaho Real Estate Agent Goes The Extra Mile Marketing Properties In A Down Economy

Nampa, ID - As many real estate agents are cutting their marketing budgets, Idaho REALTOR® Don Wixom is going the extra mile to market his clients' listings in this tough market with a fully wrapped Honda CR-Z that has already turned heads around town.

Wixom, who already stands out online for his top Google-ranking website selling Idaho real estate, www.sellidaho.com, is one of the most visible agents on the road with his brightly colored Honda CR-Z.

"This car is a load of fun to drive, but the really great thing for my clients is that it is memorable. I get all sorts of comments from people who see me on the road, and of course, the car is emblazoned with my website and the RE/MAX Brand."

Wixom has always gravitated toward unconventional marketing techniques, so this fits his personality well. And with fuel prices being what they are, having an economy car to show homes all over the Treasure Valley, whether it's Boise real estate or Caldwell real estate, just makes sense.

"This has already been an effective way to get my phone to ring and to drive extra traffic to my website to help clients sell their homes. If that means being the talk of the town as I drive around town, then so be it."

Already gaining national attention from his franchisor, Wixom says he is committed to the #1 Real Estate Firm in the World, the RE/MAX Brand, committed to the industry and committed to doing his best for his clients!

"Soon, the car will host additional marketing messages including contest information, on the back panel." Don says. "Watch for it!"

For more information on Idaho real estate:

Don Wixom
RE/MAX Advantage
5680 E Franklin Rd, Suite 100
Nampa ID 83687
http://www.sellidaho.com
(208) 880-5039