All posts by Unique Homes Staff

Real Estate Company to be Acquired by Sumitomo Forestry America, Inc.

with:

Crescent Communities’ acquired businesses will remain headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, under its existing management team.

Crescent Communities, LLC, a residential and commercial real estate company, and Sumitomo Forestry America, Inc., a comprehensive housing and wood products corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd., announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which Crescent Communities’ three key businesses will be acquired by Sumitomo. The transaction is expected to close by the end of June.
“We are excited to partner with Sumitomo as their investment will continue Crescent Communities’ growth strategy and enhance our capital structure,” says Todd Mansfield, the chief executive officer of Crescent Communities. “This acquisition is evidence of Sumitomo’s favorable view of our multi-product platform and geographic footprint in high growth markets. We look forward to leveraging their extensive real estate expertise, financial strength and global network to support our ongoing commitment to unleash value for all stakeholders.”
 

Masons Bend’s Amenity Center

“We have been pursuing further expansion of our U.S. real estate business and the acquisition of Crescent Communities is a perfect fit with our investment philosophy,” says Atsushi Iwasaki, the president of Sumitomo Forestry America, Inc. “With favorable demographics, including outsized employment growth, Crescent Communities’ markets are well positioned to support healthy long-term real estate fundamentals.
The acquired business will take the Crescent Communities’ name and remain headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, under the existing management team led by Todd Mansfield, Chief Executive Officer. Palmetto Bluff, the acclaimed 20,000-acre resort community with a Montage branded hotel located in Bluffton, South Carolina, will be retained by Crescent Communities’ existing owners, with the local management team continuing in their roles and David O’Donoghue continuing to serve as president.

The new light rail by NOVEL NoDa and NOVEL at Providence Farm

Sumitomo Forestry America, Inc. will acquire Crescent Communities’ multifamily, single family and commercial and mixed use businesses. Crescent Communities’ multifamily business, operating under the “NOVEL by Crescent Communities” brand, includes 20 communities in development and/or operations, totaling approximately 6,400 units. The company’s Fielding Homes single family home building business includes over 1,700 single family lots across 6 communities in Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.
The commercial and mixed use business development portfolio includes nearly 1.5 million square feet of assets, including the recently announced 742,000 square foot Ally Charlotte Center project in Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition, Sumitomo Forestry America, Inc. is also acquiring Crescent Communities’ development pipeline of nearly $2 billion of real estate projects, including 5,500 multifamily units, 2,200 single family units and 2.5 million square feet of office and industrial assets.

Masons Bend

Photos courtesy of Crescent Communities

Leave a comment

Real Estate Agent Named Guinness World Record Holder

with:

The first ever real estate record holder to be recognized for home sales has sold 3,556 homes in a single year.

America’s number one ranked real estate agent, Ben Caballero of Addison, Texas, just became the number one real estate agent in the world, according to Guinness World Records (GWR). At the REAL Trends “Gathering of Eagles” conference in Denver, Caballero was named the first real estate agent ever to be recognized by GWR for home sales.
“Being named a Guinness World Record holder is truly the highlight of my professional career,” says Caballero, who continues year-after-year to exceed his own record-setting home sales performance.
REAL Trends ranks the top sales professionals in the United States by transaction sides and sales volume. In 2016, the most recent year all transaction data was available from REAL Trends, Caballero sold 3,556 homes, which was seven times more homes than his closest competitor who had reached up to 467 homes. His home sales that year totaled a new individual real estate agent sales record of $1.444 billion, breaking his  previous record of $1.022 billion.
In 2007, Caballero invented the HomesUSA.com platform, an innovative online technology for builders, that allowed him to achieve these remarkable numbers. His company specializes in new homes sales for 65 builders in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio.
From 2010 to 2016, Caballero’s total home sales volume totaled $7.2 billion. To put his 2016 new home sales numbers in perspective, Caballero sold an average of more than 68 homes per week — nearly 10 homes per day, every day of the week or more than one-and-a-half sales every business hour.
“For years, our rankings have recognized the accomplishments of thousands of real estate professionals, but no one came close to achieving what Ben has,” says Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. “Recognition of Ben’s achievements by Guinness World Records is truly amazing.”
Caballero has also appeared at the top of both REAL Trends “The Thousand” lists for both Individuals by Transaction Sides and Individuals by Sales Volume since 2013. This ranking is published midyear, annually in The Wall Street Journal and requires independent third-party verification.

Photo courtesy of HomesUSA.com

Leave a comment

Lobbies with Larger-than-Life Artwork

with:

Residential developments are increasingly incorporating oversized art, and it’s bigger and better than ever.
These powerful and room-defining pieces each have a huge impact on the spaces they inhabit, drawing the eye in new directions. Here are four examples of NYC luxury developments spearheading this trend in a major way, commissioning local artists to create unique, oversized artwork.

525 West 52nd Street
Upon walking through the grand, double-height entrance, residents pass under Rachel Mica Weiss’ “Inverted Arches.” Commissioned by Art Assets, the 20-foot entrance piece made of nylon rope creates striking silhouettes and intricate, dramatic shadows that change throughout the day. Rachel’s use of industrial materials and hand-crafted techniques seamlessly integrate art and architecture, while simultaneously highlighting the history of the industrial neighborhood and reflecting the daily lives of residents.

Photo courtesy of Danielle Gottesman

The Jackson
This lobby was designed with a stunning double-height, floor-to-ceiling glass art installation that was inspired by the building’s neighbor, MoMa PS1. The Long Island City condominium’s developer commissioned artist Tom Fruin to curate a one-of-a-kind mosaic glass-art wall in the building’s entryway, giving the space a unique gallery feel.

Photo courtesy of Qualls Benson

Photo courtesy of Art Assets

90 Morton
This boutique condominium features an entire gallery exhibition of eye-level floor sculptures curated by artist Danielle Gottesman.
Gottesman was inspired by the architectural floor plans of the property, and when adding light behind these pieces, one can actually see the shadows of the floor plans.

Photo courtesy of Modern Spaces

50 West
A glass-walled exhibition space in the lobby of 50 West is hosting a rotating display of art. The first piece on view is a 10-foot-tall twister sculpture of white powder-coated aluminum by the artist Alice Aycock.
Alice’s work can be found in numerous collections including the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum and the National Gallery of Art.

Comments Off on Lobbies with Larger-than-Life Artwork

New Furniture Collection Exudes Disarming Comfort and Natural Beauty

with:

Handcrafted using ancient techniques, Noble Souls is the first sofa range ever made using 100 percent natural vegetable dyes, feathers and natural linens.

The Noble Souls sofa collection is based on a simple idea that today’s real luxuries are those moments of blissful reconnection, when we feel ourselves truly alive and can deeply reconnect with one another.

In today’s globalized, virtualized world, those moments are too rare. We live in our heads, on our phones and in our screens, and we risk becoming more disconnected than ever from real life. 

British furniture and interior designer Timothy Oulton wanted to figure out how to create more of these joyful moments where we feel closely connected to our surroundings and the world around us.

With a passion for materials and craft, Oulton unearthed answers on a journey that crisscrossed the globe, rediscovering ancient craftsmen, their techniques and the pure, natural materials they have used for thousands of years.

Timothy Oulton designs the Noble Souls collection to help people reconnect.

  “We wanted to go beyond the sofa, to think about the space in someone’s home, and the context of their life,” Oulton says. “It’s not just furniture. Noble Souls gives you permission to relax and truly let go. In a home, these sofas become a hearth, a place where you can reconnect with each other more deeply, or even just with yourself.”

The collection features three sofas: Realm, Nest and Oasis. Each one offers a different seating contour, from extremely laid-back to more supportive profiles, ensuring there is a sofa perfectly suited to complement any lifestyle. The modular design ensures each sofa is endlessly configurable, to suit any space.  

The Noble Souls collection is of disarming softness and epic comfort, made using natural materials and ancient craft. Each sofa is filled with goose down feathers, the simplest form of all feathers, creating thousands of tiny pockets of air within the sofa. Seat covers are all natural linen, using only 100 percent natural vegetable dyes.

Noble Souls linens are colored using only 100 percent natural vegetable dyes, applied the same way it has been done for thousands of years, which is using only dye stuffs and water. Blue hues are achieved using indigo, and grays using gallnut. Color fastness is achieved with a gentle stone washing treatment.

Accompanying the sofa collection, a select range of furniture and lighting is available. The collection also supports the three key “realms of reconnection” in any home — the sofa living area, the dining space and the bedroom.

AGORA LIVE EGDE DINING TABLE

ANCHOR PENDANT

FAMILY RUG — BLUE

ENGLISH BEAM COFFEE TABLE

OASIS SOFA IN LINEN WHITE

SAHARA CARAVAN RUG — BAMBOO

SALVE CUSHION — OLD WOVEN STRIPE

SANCTUM DINING CHAIR

Photos courtesy of www.timothyoulton.com

Leave a comment

Featured Agent: Kathie Robidou of Coldwell Banker Advantage One Properties

with:

Kathie Robidou

Coldwell Banker Advantage One Properties

1500 Valley River Drive, Suite 370, Eugene, OR 97401
541.484.2625 | kathie@kathiesells.com | www.advantageoneproperties.com | www.kathiesells.com

Kathie’s high energy level and her enthusiasm for helping people have propelled her to the top of her field in the real estate industry! A Coldwell Banker franchise owner and a top agent specializing in upper end and luxury homes, her expert marketing and promotional techniques are second to none and her knowledge in all aspects of real estate sales have made her one of the most successful and respected agents in Eugene-Springfield. Kathie has consistently been the  #1 Listing Agent  and Production Agent on a Team and is in the top 4% of agents globally. Kathie is affectionately known throughout Lane County as “KathieSells” and her team sales have well exceeded $200 million in just the past decade!

Featured Listing by Kathie Robidou

FLORENCE, OREGON

Enjoy spectacular 180-degree ocean views from this furnished, custom-built home with an expansive cedar deck, patio area and an abundance of windows to enjoy the unobstructed ocean and terrain views! The kitchen offers an island, eating bar, double ovens, corian counters and nook. The spacious master suite boasts 2 walk-in closets, a jetted tub, shower and door to the deck! Other features include a great room, formal dining, bonus room with surround sound and exercise area. The private, gated 1.61-acre lot offers area for RV! MLS#17334500

Price upon request.

Kathie Robidou originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’18: Elite edition. See her page here.

Leave a comment

Featured Agents: John Fairbanks & Marion Fairbanks of The Fairbanks Group

with:

John Fairbanks & Marion Fairbanks

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

The Fairbanks Group

388 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA

626.398.9000 | 626.390.1000 | Est8homes@aol.com | www.TheFairbanksGroup.com

CalBRE  #00972895 | CalBRE #01009669

With combined Real Estate experience of more than 60 years, The Fairbanks Group share a passion for their profession. John Fairbanks and Marion Fairbanks continue to bring international recognition for their people-centered, results driven professionalism. Having earned membership in the Society of Excellence and the International President’s Elite, they represent the top 1% of the company’s sales force, both domestic and international. Much of their business is repeat and referral from satisfied individuals. Always able to provide exceptional service, John and Marion are available to exceed your needs with their aggressive marketing and astute negotiating skills, coupled with a personal interest in their clients’ real estate concerns, mean results for their clients. These strengths continue to maintain John and Marion as top performing agents in the San Gabriel Valley for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage for more than 30 years.

Featured Listings by John Fairbanks & Marion Fairbanks

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA

1955 Brigden Road

A mountain backdrop, exquisite facade with brick accent, stately front porch and elegant curb appeal is only the beginning of this newly redesigned and renovated residence located in Pasadena’s prestigious Brigden Ranch! Offering more than 3,000 square feet of living space including 4 bedrooms (2 master suites), 4 baths, a formal living room with fireplace, a family room with Napoleon fireplace, an office, breakfast area and a chef’s delight of a kitchen. The backyard is an entertainer’s dream with an outdoor barbecue!
$1,750,000

 

John Fairbanks & Marion Fairbanks originally appeared as Elite agents in the Unique Homes Spring ’18: Elite edition. See their page here.

Leave a comment

Featured Agents: Julie Barnett & Leigh Barnett of Harry Norman, REALTORS®

with:

Julie Barnett & Leigh Barnett

Harry Norman, REALTORS®

141 S. Main Street, Clayton, GA 30525
O. 706.212.0228 | J. 404.697.3860  |  L. 404.931.3636 | julie.barnett@harrynorman.com
leigh.barnett@harrynorman.com | www.lakeburtonhome.com

Featured Listing by Julie Barnett & Leigh Barnett

TIGER, GEORGIA

57 Cody Lane

This 7-bedroom, 7.5-bath stately Lake Burton retreat is gracefully positioned on manicured grounds enjoying long range lake & mountain views. The 2-story great room features a vaulted ceiling, reclaimed beams, oak flooring, stone fireplace & floor-to-ceiling windows framing lake views. A lakeside porch acts as an outdoor living room with fireplace, built-in pizza oven and dining area. The chef’s kitchen is equipped with professional appliances, a large island & cozy breakfast nook with fireplace. The terrace level features a family room with fireplace, full kitchen, wine cellar, game room with wet bar & lakeside covered porch. Amenities include: master on main, 3-car garage, detached workshop, 7 masonry stone fireplaces, fenced garden, dog run, 2-stall boathouse.
$5,900,000.

 

Julie Barnett & Leigh Barnett originally appeared as Elite agents in the Unique Homes Spring ’18: Elite edition. See their page here.

Leave a comment

Featured Agent: Mariann Cordova of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

with:

Mariann Cordova

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties

333 Village Main Street, Suite 670, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
949.307.4040 | MC@SouthOrangeCountyLiving.com | www.SouthOrangeCountyLiving.com
When you work with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, you can expect dedicated real estate experts and a brokerage that is with you every step of the way. We’re here to help you find your perfect, no matter what it may be.

Featured Listing by Mariann Cordova

Coto De Caza, California

Stunning Georgian Equestrian Estate
23111 & 23112 Maravilla Lane
Top quality residence | 6-stall barn | Large pastures
Arena | Guesthouse | Pool & Spa
www.23112Maravilla.com | $15,900,000.

 

Mariann Cordova originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’18: Elite edition. See her page here.

Leave a comment

Featured Agent: Vicki Smith of Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty

with:

Vicki Smith

Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty

P.O. Box 1089 Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352

909.499.9639  |  VickiSmith@ColdwellBanker.com  |  CalBRE# 00853394

Vicki Smith is the top producer for high-end homes at Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty and is a member of Coldwell Banker’s Global Luxury division connecting her with agents, clients and properties worldwide. She is a licensed real estate broker and has been selling luxury homes in Southern California for 30+ years. Vicki’s high level of professionalism and dynamic personality, combined with her large client base has contributed to the fact that 95% of her real estate business comes from repeat clients and referrals. Vicki’s business ethic and strong connections with the brokerage communities in Lake Arrowhead, Los Angeles, and Southern California Desert areas, allows her to implement a Comprehensive Marketing Approach benefiting her clients and their properties through maximum exposure not only in Southern California, but across the country and around the world.

Featured Listing by Vicki Smith

CALIFORNIA

Spectacular Estate

This spectacular estate is perfect for a corporate retreat or large family gatherings. Set on 3 lakefront lots, it features 8 bedrooms including a separate guest or staff apartment. Most all rooms overlook the lake including the dramatic living room and grand dining room. For those who expect only the finest.
$13,750,000

 

Vicki Smith originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’18: Elite edition. See her page here.

Leave a comment

Featured Agent: Kathy Chambers of Coldwell Banker Traditions

with:

Kathy Chambers

Coldwell Banker Traditions

4071 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188
757.876.3279 | 757.220.3700 | kathy@CBTLuxuryHomes.com | www.kathychambersrealtor.com
www.cbtluxuryhomes.com
Kathy believes the home selling experience should be personal, memorable, and flawless. With 20 years of experience in the high-end real estate market, her results speak for themselves. Kathy is a superior real estate professional and being part of Coldwell Banker’s Luxury Homes Program “Global Luxury” is a natural fit. She has the intuition of a seasoned professional in that she understands the needs and motivation of both sellers and buyers. In working with Luxury Home clients, Kathy understands the market and the lifestyle offered in the home, the community, and the surrounding area. She is extremely knowledgeable in regards to the subtle details of quality homes and construction. Whether a multimillion-dollar home in a gated community or a rural estate on the waterfront, Kathy brings the skill set and intuition to the table to understand the property, how to present the property, and how to effectively utilize the Global Luxury Marketing Tools that are unparalleled in the real estate industry. These tools allow her to match the right buyer(s) with their dream home. At the end of the day, Kathy can demonstrate the features and benefits of owning the property with the focus and confidence that is the gift of so few. Kathy Chambers and Coldwell Banker’s Global Luxury Homes Program offer a unique and unequalled service model in today’s market place.

Featured Listing by Kathy Chambers

GLOUCESTER, VIRGINIA

Riverwind

40-acre private waterfront estate on a knoll overlooking the scenic York River. Minutes from Colonial Williamsburg, a short sail to the Chespeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Being sold fully furnished. Contemporary residence features 180-degree views of the water that extends 2 miles across, 3 miles down and 10 miles up the York River. MLS 1740232
$5,880,000.

 

Kathy Chambers originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’18: Elite edition. See her page here.

Leave a comment