All posts by Unique Homes Staff

CHALK Digital Acquires Unique Homes

San Diego, California, June 8 – CHALK Digital today announced the acquisition of Unique Homes, the leading luxury property magazine, from duPont Publishing. The company will operate as an independent subsidiary, allowing it to continue its publication products, including the flagship Unique Homes and custom publications for leading real estate companies Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Coldwell Banker Real Estate, and Luxury Portfolio International.

The addition of industry-leading digital technologies from CHALK Digital will enable an entirely new generation of marketing services and integrated products found nowhere else.

Unique Homes, with 52 years of heritage serving the property marketing needs of luxury brands, brokers, and agents, is unmatched in understanding the needs of buyers and sellers across the luxury segment. The company’s print magazines and personalized direct-mail publication, The High End, are distributed in all 50 states and 80 countries internationally.

“We look forward to continuing the long tradition of exceptional print magazine publications that has been the hallmark of Unique Homes for over 50 years,” said Craig Hagopian, Chief Executive Officer of CHALK Digital. “We were especially excited that we were able to bring the entire editorial, production, and sales operations over to the newly established company to ensure a smooth customer transition. The addition of digital technology will significantly broaden our ability to bring awareness to the thousands of luxury property listings showcased in these magazines, which are a key resource for real estate brokerages and agents marketing properties for a very selective, and discerning, clientele. Property Technology, or PropTech, is an exciting growth opportunity for our business, and this acquisition further establishes our role as the leading provider of luxury property marketing.”

“Unique Homes has long been the most trusted brand in luxury property marketing, supporting the advertising needs of leading real estate agents nationwide” added Kathleen Carlin-Russell and Bruce Griset, Co-Publishers. “Our deep reach into the luxury segment and unparalleled access to the creative assets used to showcase luxury properties provide the ideal foundation for the extended digital reach that is quickly becoming an expected part of property marketing. The entire team welcomes the opportunity to work with such a forward-thinking digital company, and we look forward to further serving our large customer base with revolutionary new products adding extended visibility for these luxury properties.”

About Chalk Digital

CHALK Digital is an international provider of highly targeted and high-performing local advertising for the real estate, recruiting, education, restaurant, and automotive industries. Our comprehensive marketing technology platform integrates with our clients’ infrastructure, providing automated ad creation and execution to reach both existing customers and prospects with timely, relevant messaging.

About Unique Homes

Unique Homes is the real estate industry leader in providing visibility for luxury properties across the US, with 52 years of operating success. The company’s many publications provide brokers and agents with an unmatched residential showcase that reaches a highly prized audience of the most affluent home buyers. The company’s products are distributed through a combination of subscriptions, newsstand sales, direct mail, and insertion into other broad-interest publications.

For more information:

Contact: Michael Lang
Phone: (678) 575-0278
Email: Mike@ChalkDigital.com

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Life on the Water

By Alyssa Gautieri

Little compares to a luxury yacht charter experience. Cruise around the globe in style — from the uninhabited islets and secluded beaches of Croatia, the dining and nightlife along the Italian Coast, to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

Built by highly skilled professionals, luxury motor yachts and sailing yachts can typically sleep groups of up to 12 people — depending on the size of the vessel. Some of the most unique features include swimming pools, barbeque grills, wellness spas with professional staff, gyms, and theater rooms.

Owners and guests can lounge on sundecks while enjoying breathtaking sunset views, explore the open sea from a wave runner, or cast a fishing rod. Inside, relax from the master suite or enjoy a meal around the dining room table with family and friends.

Wally Ferretti Group

Speed Meets Sophistication
wallywhy200

With more than 2,000 square feet of indoor living space and 1,500 square feet of exterior decks, the wallywhy200 offers far more space than traditional motor yachts without sacrificing speed. The wide-body design comfortably sleeps eight guests in four separate cabins, including a master suite that overlooks the sea and offers uninterrupted 270-degree views.

From the open-pore teak furniture and modular sun loungers to the laminated carbon staircase, the superyacht’s clean, angular aesthetic came to life with the help of naval architect Laurent Giles and Vallicelli Design Studio.

“The new wallywhy200 expresses all its innovative power through new architectural elements, which represent a break with the past and with the typical clichés of a motor yacht,” says Luca Bassani, founder and chief designer of Wally.

Folding beach club bulwarks provide additional living space by transforming into a terrace over the water, while two garages provide storage space for wave runners, Seabobs, and paddleboards.

Madsummer Main Deck

All About Amenities
Madsummer

Featuring a swimming pool, world-class spa, and 10 spacious staterooms, the Madsummer is a custom-built superyacht that spans more than 300 feet long and provides space for 28 professional crew members.

The expansive sundeck boasts a gym overlooking the sea, space for a dance floor, and a cozy observation area with sun pads, tables, and one of the two jacuzzis on board. Overlooking the bow is a cinema room with deep sofas.

Two garages house a Maori Yacht limo tender, a Ski Nautique, and a rescue tender, as well as personal watercrafts and dive equipment. There’s also space for a helicopter on the foredeck. The motor yacht was custom built by the German shipyard Lüssen, while the exterior was designed by Harrison Eidsgaard and the colorful interior — saturated with bright blues, reds, and whites — was the work of Laura Sessa.

“The owner’s brief was demanding, however, we believe our engineering expertise has surpassed his wishes to own a yacht that many years from now will be timeless and yet still ahead of its time,” says CEO Peter Lürssen.

Sunseeker 90 Ocean

A Penthouse-Style Saloon?
Sunseeker 90 Ocean

Walk out the sliding glass doors of the Sunseeker 90 Ocean to access the spacious, lower-level deck that opens out to the water. It’s complete with a built-in barbecue, an oversized rain shower, and a set of retractable stairs for easy access to the water.

Exit the beach club, located at water-level in the aft area of the yacht, by following the steps to the cockpit. “The incredible new beach club design is already receiving much acclaim, defining the very essence of our new ‘Ocean’ range,” says Andrea Farbetti, CEO of Sunseeker.

The garage plus two lockers provide ample storage space for a Jet Ski, two Seabobs, and a Williams 460 SportJet. Larger than most of its competition, the flybridge can be customized to include an infinity spa pool.

Inside the superyacht, there’s a penthouse-style saloon and luxurious staterooms, and a dedicated dining area that comfortably fits eight people. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a surge of natural light, while textured paneling, curved sofas, and a panoramic skylight create an elegant, modern aesthetic.

Sail in Style Nautor Swan 115 Solleone

Sail in Style
Nautor Swan 115 Solleone

Quiet, calm, and peaceful, this luxury sailing yacht — in comparison to the motor yachts mentioned above — harnesses wind power to reach high speeds. A combination of tradition and innovation, the Swan 115 Solleone was delivered by Nautor Swan and the naval architecture was the work of German Frers.

From the private dining area and large saloon area to the master suite, the elegant Italian interior is designed by Nautor’s Swan in-house styling team and styled by Michele Bònan. With three large guest cabins and space to accommodate a five-person crew, the luxury sailing yacht is ideal for serene blue water or long distance cruises.

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Positive Energy

By Marlene Ridgway

In just two years, the first fully carbon-neutral and emission-free resort, Six Senses Svart will welcome guests to stay and explore, all while combating the pollution that the travel industry typically generates.

The 94-room resort will offer adventure and conscientious travelers an incredible way to experience and preserve the unique environment of the Svartisen glacier in Norway. The revolutionized resort plans to take sustainability and energy efficiency to a new level by not only eliminating negative impacts on the surrounding environment from start to finish, but also generating its own energy through solar panels and geothermal wells.

Guests will get an immersive experience where they can enjoy the surrounding landscape guilt-free. “Six Senses Svart aims to become a prototype for the future of sustainable hospitality,” says Jeff Smith, vice president of sustainability for Six Senses.

The eye-catching, ring-shaped resort will combine a futuristic design and technological innovation with earthy, organic materials that use the least embedded energy. The circular green form is tactile, creating a feeling of openness and perpetual consciousness of nature as it gives the building a transparent appearance. The happy side effect is its ability to collect energy from the roof and offer panoramic views and privacy with the expanded distance between rooms.

Svartisen glacier

Preserving and Generating Energy

The resort will be poised above the water and landscape to minimize the impact on the environment, a notion that has influenced every decision about the project along the way. Six Senses Svart aims to demonstrate that carbon neutrality can be not only feasible in a sophisticated development at an eco-sensitive site, but can also be profitable.

The resort will also funnel solar energy back into the running of the hotel, boat shuttle, and energy needed for building, making it possible for the resort to function entirely off the power grid. Such energy-positive buildings could deliver 89 percent of the 45 percent decrease in emissions required to reach the scenario where global warming is limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

To create a self-sustaining travel destination, the resort will employ its own waste and water management, recycling, and renewable infrastructure. The team will work with existing sustainable fishing and farming operations and engage like-minded local suppliers for the restaurants and bars. All of this will make the zero waste dining venue possible where everything from food storage, prep, and dining will be a proactive, sustainable decision. For example, “whatever isn’t eaten fresh from the farm may get pickled or utilized in some other way,” according to Smith.

Kayaking at Six Senses Svart

Health and Wellness

The resort will not simply have a positive impact on the area, but will also prove restorative for guests looking for an authentic and unplugged experience. Outdoor adventures, such as biking, hiking, and horseback riding will entertain guests while the spa and fitness center will encourage even more rest and rejuvenation.

Six Senses Svart will cover the full gambit of integrated wellness, with state-of-the-art equipment and wearable technology assimilation, integrating a specially developed Svart Touch concept that will further elevate the brand’s pioneering wellness approach.

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5 Unique Dining Experiences to Try in Las Vegas This Year

By Greg Clemens

 
Among all the U.S.’s most celebrated and famous large cities, it’s hard to find one that has a more spectacular reputation than Las Vegas. More and more people are traveling and moving to Las Vegas every year, and the number of outstanding dining experiences continues to grow in kind. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out on the town, a once-in-a-lifetime upscale dinner with friends and family, or something in between, Las Vegas has you covered.
 
But it can be difficult to find the right restaurant, bar, or diner to match your tastes if you’re looking for a special time here. Check out the following guide to the best restaurants in Las Vegas that offer a spectacular experience.

 

Top of the World

200 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89104

 

If you’re looking for a special night out in Las Vegas, the Top of the World restaurant is the first place to visit. Located nearly 900 feet above the bright lights of the Vegas strip, this spectacular dining spot is one of the most exclusive places to claim a seat at dinner. Make sure to call before you visit because the list of reservations can extend quite far into the future.

 
The cuisine at Top of the World is a pleasing mixture of many American menu items, with a special emphasis on familiar favorites like steak and seafood. Their kitchen stocks the freshest meats, vegetables, and fruits available in Las Vegas, so you’re sure to taste the best of the best here. Be sure to bring your camera with you when you come, because this restaurant’s views of the strip are only matched by the upscale decor and massive windows that make Top of the World a sight to behold.

 

Area15

3215 South Rancho Dr., Las Vegas, NV

 

This specifically Las Vegas-style entertainment and dining center shows off a little of everything thanks to its unique mixture of venues and restaurants. Planning a night at Area15 means you’ll have hours upon hours to tour the on-site distillery, Lost Spirits, as well as the one-of-a-kind themed restaurant 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

 
You’ll enter the complex and visit the distillery first, where you can enjoy the live music and take a tour of this historic Las Vegas landmark while sipping on top-notch brews. Then, head over to the uber-exclusive 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, which features a memorable 16-course menu that you can share with up to 12 guests in a unique undersea capsule dining room.
Head Chef Taylor Persh has a taste for flare and spectacle, as you’ll experience first-hand all the musical accompaniments and drama that comes along with their presentation. You’re sure to have a night to remember here.

 

Wakuda

3325 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109

 

Celebrity chef Wakuda has been a renowned world chef for years, and Las Vegas locals welcomed him to Vegas in 2021 with rousing applause. Located in the Venetian casino and hotel, Wakuda Japanese Restaurant is now among the top-ranked celebrity restaurants in the city, and it regularly hosts some of Las Vegas’s most prominent visitors.

 
Wakuda is open to an exclusive crowd for dinner until 10 pm each night, with lounge hours extending till midnight. The cuisine is top-flight Japanese fare, and it features some of the best sushi and sashimi dishes the world over. When you step in the doors at Wakuda, you won’t want to leave, thanks to its extravagant Asian decorations and oversized sculptures that help make this spot one of the most unique in Las Vegas dining.

 

Carson Kitchen

124 S. 6th Street, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89101

 

Chic Fremont Street is the backdrop for many of Las Vegas’s most exciting new restaurants and entertainment venues, but the best night you can have here might just be Carson Kitchen. Come here to enjoy a comfortable yet high-end dinner with friends and family on their famous outdoor rooftop seating patio and fire pit.

 
The menu is centered on classic American fare like pork meatloaf and the popular hot duck sandwich that’s hard to find anywhere else in town. Reservations are in high demand, so be sure to contact the restaurant in advance. You won’t regret your time at Carson Kitchen, as evidenced by the fact that the owners have recently expanded to build locations in Atlanta and Salt Lake City. The views from the Carson Kitchen roof are one of the most photographed in the city.

 

The Fireside Lounge at the Peppermill Restaurant

2985 Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109

 

Las Vegas is eclectic if it’s anything, and there’s no better place to experience the blending of cultures and art styles in town than at the Peppermill Restaurant. The 80s stylized decor has defined the Peppermill for years, and it’s made this legendary dining spot a landmark in the city. In fact, it’s been the site for dozens of Hollywood blockbusters.

 
Retro decor and neon panels aren’t all that’s on view at the Peppermill. Head over to the Fireside Lounge to relax in style with friends and enjoy a full bar in the light of a huge outdoor fire pit. You can expect high-end bar food and a modest dining menu with top-of-the-line ingredients and a choice of dishes that rotates regularly.

 

Reach out to a local real estate agent today!

 

With that, we’ve come to the end of our roundup of the most extraordinary dining experiences to discover in Las Vegas. If you’re looking for a few other options, be sure to check out some of these choices:

  • Restaurant Guy Savoy, with LV’s most deluxe French-inspired menu
  • Delilah, a quickly rising Vegas hotspot with award-winning British fare
  • EDO, where Spanish tapas small dish plates achieve perfection
  • The Golden Steer Steakhouse, since 1958 a must-visit and infamous local gem
If you have any questions or comments to share about Las Vegas dining or real estate in the area, feel free to get in touch today! Contact Greg Clemens and the Greg Clemens Team for more information. They’re happy to help you with your real estate venture and any questions you might have.
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A Starchitecture Home in San Miguel de Allende

Casa Legorreta is on the market for the first time ever! Named after the late internationally renowned architect Ricardo Legorreta, this home is true starchitecture. 

Ricardo Legorreta is the first Latin Gold Medal winner from the American Institute of Architects. This prestigious recognition is annually awarded exclusively to an individual who has created a distinguished body of architecture. Legorreta was also widely recognized for designing Hollywood producer Joel Silver’s home, now on the market for $52 million.

This home stands on a spacious double lot in San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage village.

The owners and Legorreta collaborated in the design, bringing a spectacular vision to life – Casa Legorreta. Legorreta’s design style, illustrated throughout this estate, is best described as delicately balanced between austerity and generosity. 

When taking the first steps into this home, visitors are welcomed into a temazcal-like foyer where you are guided by the broken light of the colonnade at the far end. The entryway leads you to a central courtyard of paved stone bound by a water-rill-like fountain sourced by a Legorreta water stair. 

The house is designed to seamlessly transition from indoor to outdoor living, a popular design in a temperate city. The living room features large sliding glass doors which lead to the outdoor terrace and gardens beyond. 

The first floor of this two-story home is where the family may gather around a spacious dining room that opens to gardens on both sides. Additionally, this floor features the kitchen, staff quarters, and a wood-burning fireplace. A dining terrace overlooks the swimming pool. 

Just a story above is the master suite offering a view of the city’s iconic Parroquia church right from your pillow. The master bathroom encompasses an all-marble dual sink that adjoins a dressing room. The master suite’s glass-parapet balcony overlooks the pool. An in-suite library and desk feature a Frank Gehry Cross Check™ chair, part of the legacy-worthy furniture included with this home.

Two additional en-suite guest rooms complete the second floor, one with a large private terrace.

The home faces a street named the 11th prettiest street in the world by Architectural Digest in 2022, with a roof terrace offering views framed by palm trees of the famous Parroquia church. Hosting an art studio and a trellis-covered lounge, the roof terrace can be easily converted into a 4th bedroom as it features a half bath. 

Best of all, the environment is as noteworthy as the home! San Miguel de Allende has been placed at #1 on Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Cities in the World for 5 years! Condé Nast Traveler describes San Miguel de Allende as “a hub for expat artists” as it is “known for its Spanish Colonial Architecture and colorful facades.” Those with an appreciation for art and culture will enjoy hours worth of galleries and pop-up shops. 

The lifestyle of San Miguel de Allende, combined with the iconic designs of a treasured architectural genius, makes Casa Legorreta a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. No other Legorreta exists globally with a pedigree as prestigious as Casa Legorreta!

This home is represented by Gregory Gunter.

MX Cell: 521.415.103.4141

Intl Toll Free: 877.878.4141

Assistant Chris Stenger (para Español): 415.178.8300

BHHS Colonial Homes San Miguel

DreamProHomes

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811 Hawks Nest Court, Ball Ground, GA 30107

The magnificent footprint of your Hawks Ridge estate impresses you at first glance, yet the wide front porch welcomes you like an old friend. This property, represented by Joe Fox of Keller Williams Partners, The Mountain Life Real Estate Team boasts elegantly lofted ceilings, oversized windows, and luxurious finishes abound inside and provide the perfect canvas for entertaining on a grand scale. Host a bridge or poker tournament from your game room, a wine tasting with vintages from your cellar, or watch the big game around your splendid bar. Music lovers will treasure the professionally outfitted recording studio.

The delights don’t end inside. Step outside and admire your expansive and impeccably landscaped 8+ acres. A multitude of settings for outdoor entertaining await with your very own tennis court, basketball court, and a pool-house with a stage perfect for entertaining. Gather in the terraced pool and hot tub overlooking the golf course. Two outdoor kitchens are ideal anchors for casual get-togethers. For an intimate al fresco conversation, a private courtyard awaits.

Location, Location, Location!

In the foothills of the Appalachians, just north of Atlanta, Ball Ground is known for its historic main street and small-town charm. Residents appreciate a laid-back lifestyle while being close to highly-ranked schools and the booming Atlanta metroplex. Enjoy strolling around Ball Ground, perusing unique shops, and admiring historic homes. Hawks Ridge Golf Course clubhouse is a mile away and the private member club features a championship, Bob Cupp designed, 18-hole course, an exclusive clubhouse and tavern, a helipad, and more for resident owners.

Outdoor recreation abounds whenever fresh air calls. Georgia’s Blue Ridge mountains loom only a short drive away. Camp, hike, raft, or fish the hundreds of miles of trails and rivers in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Spend the day on Lake Arrowhead. Neighboring cities, Alpharetta and Canton, offer more history, breweries, art galleries, and Etowah River Park.

FEATURES LIST:

● Total: 20,010 sf | 8.53 acres | 9 bedrooms | 10 full bathrooms and 3 half bathrooms

● Architectural Features | Gated, grand circle drive; Expansive front porch with double entry door; Soaring 10ft trey ceilings; Inlaid tile and hardwood floors; 5 fireplaces; Oversized arched windows

● Owner’s Sanctuary | Huge suite with sitting area; Spa bath with soaking tub, separate stone walk-in shower, and his and her sinks and water closets; His and her walk-in closets

● Chef’s Kitchen | Island with bar seating; Pantry; Natural stone countertops

● Outdoor Features | Terraced swimming pool and hot tub; Outdoor living room with fireplace; Courtyard with grass block pavers; Screened-in porch with grill and fireplace; Additional terrace with summer kitchen; Prime golf course views; Private, wooded property

● Guest house | 2-bed/2-bath; Kitchen; Living/dining room; Patio

● Other Spaces & Amenities | Formal dining room with fireplace; Family room/den; Gym and spa treatment room; Game room with wet bar and lounge; Home theater; Executive office; Wine cellar; 5-car garage; Elevator; Cul-de-sac; Recording studio & Performance stage

● Community Amenities | Gated enclave of Hawks Ridge; Staffed security gate; Private membership club; 18 hole championship golf course; Clubhouse and restaurant

● Location | 15 minutes from downtown Ball Ground; 30 minutes from Alpharetta; 42 miles north of Atlanta; 60 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; 2 hours from Chattanooga

The Fine Print:

This property is listed for sale by The Mountain Life Team, Keller Williams Realty Partners, Broker, License #H-64730, 294 Hwy 515 W, Suite L, Blairsville, GA 30512, 678.494.0644, Joseph Fox, License #420149, (“Listing Agent”).

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Making Waves

By Marlene Ridgway • Photos by Rodrigosnaps, Inc.

Picture surfing over the waves. The concept went viral almost as soon as it was announced and is only growing in popularity. We talked with the founder and CEO of Lift Foils to discuss how the unique concept came to be, and some of the challenges along the way.

Nick Leason, founder and CEO of Lift Foils explains that the project has been over 10 years in the making. “I witnessed hydrofoiling in person for the first time when I saw a friend riding one of the first carbon fiber rigs made for kitesurfing,” he says. As an engineer, Leason has always appreciated how things work and inspiration sparked.

From there, he originally launched Lift Foils in his garage in Puerto Rico. “It was magic to see someone flying two feet over the water on a surfboard. It took years of research and development, but the concept went viral once announced, amassing followers and avid riders across the globe.”

Lift Foils made its first prototype in 2015, when the company found a way to apply technology from smartphones, drones, and electric vehicles to the design. Yet, the process was far from simple. “To be honest,” Leason says, “the entire journey has been challenging. From design concepts to team building to manufacturing supply chains, every day is a new challenge.” But, the end result is an impressive feat. Efoils have a truly futurist aesthetic to them, especially when they’re gliding over the water without wind or waves.

The best part about the personal watercraft, is that almost anyone can use them almost anywhere. “Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced surfer, the Lift eFoil allows you to craft the adventure that’s best for you with an all-electric, silent motor that glides through any body of water,” says Leason. Standing, kneeling or laying, users control the board with a bluetooth remote with built-in safety features, making Lift Foils simple to ride and enjoyable for experienced or inexperienced users. The company strives to perfect the classic foil lineups and now offers the LIFT3, LIFT3 F, and coming soon is the LIFT3 Elite.

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Going Beyond Protecting Your Family Legacy

Created by Morgan Lemaitre, CFP, owner and founder, Park City Wealth Advisors was born from the idea of helping families, executives, and entrepreneurs capitalize on their existing wealth and assets, and assisting high-net-worth individuals to make the most of what they have. We sat down with Morgan to dive deeper into the world of wealth management.

How can someone benefit from a wealth advisor? 

M: Everyone with a desire to grow their wealth and align personal assets with their goals can benefit from a Wealth Advisor. The funny thing about wealth is that it’s often hard to see your own picture — kind  of like standing too close to a mirror. A wealth advisor can look at your financial picture from a 10,000-foot view and help provide strategic guidance, identifying gaps that you can’t see or don’t even know about.  

Morgan Lemaitre Park City Wealth Advisors

What are some of the services provided? 

M: Wealth Management, Income Generation (this is helpful for Realtors and professions with inconsistent income to make up for slower periods), Life Insurance Consultation, Property and Casualty Insurance,  Financial Planning, Philanthropic Strategy, Tax Strategy.

What kinds of people need wealth advisors? 

M: Anyone with a desire to grow and preserve their wealth — families, Realtors, individuals, entrepreneurs, business owners, et cetera.  

How did you get into the industry and what are some of the best parts of your work? 

M: I got into finance because I wanted to learn how to become financially secure. I couldn’t  think of a better way to learn than by rolling up my sleeves. Now that I’ve been in the business a long time I’m driven at PCWA by the belief that my clients and community deserve unpretentious, transparent, honest financial guidance. When you work hard for every dollar you earn — the way I watched my parents earn and save — you warrant having solid financial guidance and support.  

What sets PCWA apart? 

M: Park City Wealth Advisors goes beyond the balance sheet. Let me give you an example! I just had a new client consult with my office. This person has several real estate investment properties, retirement accounts, and a new job where she is paid as an Independent Contractor. She recently sold a property and was distraught because she was going to have a large capital gain as a result of the sale but was weary of the income tax impact. 

She felt paralyzed by the prospect of what to do with the $500,000 in proceeds until she knew what the tax liability would look like — that is what brought her to consult with my team. Through a financial audit, my team was able to determine and find ways that this client would only owe 63% less taxes than they thought. 

Realtors — think about how many hours you need to work (about $300,000 in commissions) just to owe the $100,000 in taxes that I was able to save my (now client) with just a one-hour conversation, as this client did.  

Any advice or words of wisdom specifically for high-end Realtors? 

M: Seek expert financial guidance, the way you’d hope your clients would seek your expert real estate  guidance. 

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Fresh as a Daisy

By Alyssa Gautieri

A classic symbol of beauty, the daisy flower is often represented in home design. The daisy can be portrayed as colorful and eccentric, or elegant and minimal — or as something in the middle. “I think daisies are a really happy, friendly flower and they have such a bold, cheerful, graphic shape to them,” says Laurel Harrington, interior designer and founder of honeydudley. “They are something that make you smile right away.”

Wendy Umanoff Daisy Ceiling Light
Honeydudley Daisy Doo Dining Chair

Wendy Umanoff Daisy Ceiling Light

Modern and edgy, the Wendy Umanoff Daisy Ceiling Light adds charm and character to a simple ceiling. Inspired by the allure of a daisy in bloom, the metal petals around the glass globe can be adjusted to create a unique look. Add an eccentric touch to the bedroom, dining room, bedroom, or foyer.

Honeydudley Daisy Doo Dining Chair

Inject personality into the dining room with a playful, floral-inspired dining chair. With a unique daisy-shaped backrest, the Daisy Doo Dining Chair is honeydudley’s first creation. The dining chair design is pretty and playful, as well as clean and contemporary. “These chairs are so customizable, you can make them minimal or colorful,” says Harrington. “Adding whimsy and color doesn’t have to be chaotic; it can be done with shape and sculpture too.” The chairs are made from sustainably harvested wood, while the cushions are made from high-quality leathers and suedes in a range of colors. “The Daisy Doo immediately lightens the conversation among furniture and architecture in any space,” adds Harrington.

John-Richard Quartz Daisy
Daisy Flower Coffee Table

John-Richard Quartz Daisy

Intriguing yet timelessly elegant, the John-Richard Quartz Daisy features delicate gold-finished petals and a center made from quartz crystals. With a textured stem and intricate leaf details that resemble the beauty of nature, the striking daisy emerges from an alabaster base. This artistic piece makes for the perfect dining room centerpiece, or decoration for the bedroom or living room.

Daisy Flower Coffee Table

Glamor meets industrial chic with this Daisy Flower Coffee Table designed by Giulia Ligresti. Exuding the colors and details of a real daisy, the iron table livens any interior and serves as an eye-catching statement piece. The green-finished pedestal base resembles the stem of a daisy, while the white and orange surface recreates the pistil and petals. The iron table is completely handmade, making every piece unique.

Loves Me, Loves Me Not Frame

Loves Me, Loves Me Not Frame

Full of exquisite details, the Loves Me, Loves Me Not Frame is handcrafted of wood glazed with a gold leaf and adorned with ornate porcelain daisies. Complete with shading and texture, every small daisy is painted by hand to replicate the style of real flowers. The oval frame by Caiafa Studio is named after the game of French origin in which one person plucks petals from a daisy to determine whether the object of their affection reciprocates that love.

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Marsha Merrill – Top-Notch Real Estate Service & Results

Marsha Merrill actively sells real estate with over 10 years of experience as a full-time REALTOR® and is consistently recognized as one of northern Utah’s top 250 agents. She serves her clients to meet their real estate needs and budget, whether it be luxury property, second home, vacation home, residential, new construction, rental, land, investment, multi-unit, or 1031 exchange.

Her high level of service, expert market knowledge, dedication, negotiation skills, attention to detail, honesty, integrity, and genuine care for clients’ best interests are some of the traits that make Marsha a significant asset to her clients, and set her apart from other agents. Her former career in marketing, coupled with her professional accreditations, offer a competitive advantage for her clients. Marsha is completely focused on her clients, and provides them with the expertise needed to make their transaction successful yet enjoyable.

Since being just a REALTOR® isn’t enough in this competitive market, Marsha holds the following professional certifications so that she can very best serve her Clients. Her accreditations include:

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS)
Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR)
Military Relocation Professional (MRP)
Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA)
Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)
Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE)

OGDEN is a four-season paradise to live and play in, where families can enjoy year-round recreation right in their backyard. A short drive from 3 world-class ski resorts, 45 minutes from the SLC International Airport, and 30 minutes from city life, Ogden Valley comfortably accommodates a myriad of lifestyles.

No matter the type of property you are looking for, from charming country properties to apartments in the city, Marsha is familiar with the area and honored to assist you in finding your dream property in Northern Utah.

Marsha Merrill, REALTOR® ABR, MRP, PSA, SRES, RENE, CLHMS
Top Notch Realty, Keller Williams Success Realty
TopNotchRE.com
E. marsha@topnotchre.com
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