Tag Archives: Vacation Homes

Second Home Spotlight: Arkansas

Posted on June 18, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

Arkansas offers a diverse array of retirement and second home destinations ranging from the “spa” towns of Eureka Springs, nestled in the Ozark mountains, and Hot Springs located in the center of the state, just south of Little Rock, to Little Rock itself, a dynamic, contemporary city with a thriving entertainment district and a distinctly southern flair. Known for its rich musical heritage, the Arkansas Delta runs along the eastern border of the state adjacent to the Mississippi River and is one of the most fertile agricultural regions in the nation.   Hot Springs, often referred to as “America’s First Resort,” is surrounded by Hot Springs National Park, which encompasses the Quachita Mountains that rise above the downtown and historic Bathhouse Row.   Hot Springs is home to a thriving arts community, high-quality medical facilities, and a host of cultural and educational opportunities, and was recently ranked #2 on Forbes’ 2009 list of “America’s Best Bang-for-the-Buck Cities,” and acknowledged by Where to Retire magazine as one of “America’s Most Affordable Retirement Towns” in 2005.

Red Oak Ridge is a bucolic, 800-acre private community located near Hot Springs National Park.  The community is convenient to shopping, dining, health care, and the semi-private Hot Springs Country Club which offers two challenging, vintage golf courses, both of which were recently renovated by Master’s Champion Ben Crenshaw. Amenities within the community include two private fishing lakes, a dedicated trail system, several parks, and a swimming complex. 

If the vibrancy of the city is your cup of tea, Chenal Valley is well located in Little Rock. This 4,800-acre community offers 32 tranquil neighborhoods of luxury single-family and condominium homes, 36 holes of Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-designed golf, and an abundance of family-friendly recreation including a 105-acre botanical garden and arts center.  Shopping is a pleasure at the Promenade at Chenal, a 340,000 square foot center that includes an IMAX theater, and Village at Rahling Road, a neighborhood center that includes a 13,500 square foot library.

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Posted in Destination Amenity Communities, Golf Living, Luxury Real Estate, Private Communities, Second Homes, golf communities, second homes in private communities

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Private Communities – It’s All About the View

Posted on June 16, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

A study conducted for the Appraisal Institute to be published in the spring issue of The Appraisal Journal, investigated the pricing and the related premiums associated with homesite views in recreationally oriented private communities.  “The Million Dollar View” by David Wyman and Stephen Sperry reiterates what most of us have always known – water is liquid gold. The study focused on approximately 600 lots sold between January 2000 and December 2008 at The Reserve at Lake Keowee, a 3,900-acre private golf community with a Jack Nicklaus golf course and located on an 18,500-acre lake in South Carolina’s upstate. The bottom line:  lake front lots beat out lake view lots, which beat out golf course lots. The pricing premiums ranged from 124% to 287% for lakefront lots; from 94% to 133% for lake view lots; and from 42% to 85% for lots with golf course views.  The study also points out that even after the housing bubble burst, lakefront lots continued to sell — and at increasing prices.

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Second Home Spotlight: The Fractional Ownership Option

Posted on June 14, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

Fractional ownership of high-end vacation/second homes is the upscale cousin to timeshare and a popular second home ownership option throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean.  While wholly-owned vacation homes have been traditionally viewed as the optimum investment, in desirable areas they have become increasingly expensive, out-pacing discretionary income for a large majority of U.S. households. The amount of time a second home is used is also at issue, as owners will budget upkeep into the equation on a per-week-of-use basis.   A formal approach to shared ownership was developed about 25 years ago.  Within the genre’s evolution, “Timeshare” and “Fractional” have become interchangeable terms, although neither catch phrase is particularly popular with Baby Boomers who represent the primary buyer. Thus, the Private or Resort Residence Club has become the vernacular of choice for upscale fractional ownership products. Interestingly, while the product has traditionally been part of the resort model, private communities are now offering this affordable program as an entry level product that permits potential residents to “kick the tires” so to speak.

Resort real estate practitioners believe that the shared-ownership industry will rebound rapidly and with vigor as the economy makes its way through recovery. Reasons for this opinion are varied but focus largely on the product concept, which is founded in ease of ownership, flexibility, and personal use rather than speculation and investment. Lock and leave, hassle-free vacation home ownership enhanced by high-quality services and amenities would not be expected to go out of vogue anytime soon, and remains a popular second home option within the upscale resort environment. The shared-ownership product appeals to a broad audience and levels the playing field for those that cannot afford a whole ownership product in a luxury resort environment, or can’t justify owning a second home that goes unused most of the time.

Hampton Lake Amenities

Recently introduced shared-ownership products include The Sanctuary at Hampton Lake, located within the private Hampton Lake community in South Carolina’s lowcountry.  The 25 Club residences will be offered in 1/8 shares starting at $175,000 during the introductory period.  All homes are 3,100 square feet and are accessorized right down to the bicycles and golf cart waiting in the garage. The units provide for comfortable sharing with two master suites and a study on the main level and a “bunkhouse,” bath, and owner storage on the second floor. A full-service concierge program will be available and residents will have full membership privileges at all of Hampton Lake’s recreational spa and fitness facilities, including access to the adjacent championship Pete Dye Signature golf course at Hampton Hall.

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Real Estate Trends: Vacation Home Sales on the Rise

Posted on June 11, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

First-time home buyers are not the only ones taking advantage of low prices and interest rates.  According to the 2010 National Association of Realtors® (NAR) 2010 “Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey” vacation home sales increased 7.9 percent last year. In comparison, primary residence sales rose 7.1 percent. The general consensus is that the housing market has bottomed – finally.  A recent Gallup poll concurs, with 77% of respondents believing this to be the case. In music to builder’s ears, new home sales jumped 27% in March, the biggest one-month gain in nearly five decades (since 1963).  Standing new home inventory has declined for 31 straight months to achieve an all-time low and the reported March sales activity represents an impressive 23.8% year-over-year improvement. In other encouraging news, the closely watched S&P/Case Shiller Home Price Index reported its first annual increase in more than three years and one recent industry survey showed that more than half of agents polled reported that their selling customers received 95% to 100% of their asking prices. This compares to 53% in 2008 and 52% in 2006.  Housing industry think-tank MacroMarkets recently surveyed more than 100 analysts and market strategists. Consensus findings suggest a 12.4% increase in housing prices by 2014 while some gurus think that rate could be as high as 37%.

Interest rates remain at historical lows – in the 5% range – and some lenders are once again funding jumbo loans, (mortgages exceeding $417,000) an encouraging indicator of a loosening credit market and continued interest in luxury residential investment.  Nevertheless, the tighter credit market has more buyers paying cash for property, a condition that is serving to move standing inventory. According to Move.com, more than 12% of buyers plan to use 100% cash to purchase a new property and nearly 13% will use a cash down payment of more than 50%. 

The practicality of the matter is that no matter what condition the market is in, each individual must assess his or her specific conditions when considering the purchase of a new home, a second home or a retirement property. As buyers come off the bench, inventories will diminish and prices will increase as demand begins to exceed supply.  If you are in the market for a new or second home, the cost of living in your market of choice should carry as much weight as the cost of the home you wish to purchase. According to a study conducted by Where to Retire magazine, certain markets can provide as much as a 30%+ cost of living savings.  Myrtle Beach, SC, and Asheville and Wilmington, NC rank amongst these, and tax-free states such as Florida and Tennessee are seeing increased buying activity.  Check out PrivateCommunities.com to learn about the myriad opportunities that are currently available in these markets and others.

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Posted in Home prices, Housing Market News, Luxury Real Estate, Real Estate News, Sales of Private Communities, Second Homes, Vacation Homes

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Second Home Spotlight: North Carolina Wine Country

Posted on June 9, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

North Carolina’s reputation as a second home and retirement haven for splitters and half-backs is well known. But a less known fact is that by the dawn of the 20th century, North Carolina had become the leading wine-producing region in the nation and since 2001, the number of wineries has more than quadrupled; approximately 90 vineyards now dot the landscape from the Outer Banks to the Piedmont.

When Sir Walter Raleigh first landed on the beaches of the Outer Banks, his men reported that it was “so full of grapes as the very beating and surge of the sea overflowed them.”   During the 17th and 18th centuries, settlers planted cuttings from the parent muscadine vine found on Roanoke Island.  Imported European vinifera grape vines followed and were found to thrive in the Western and Piedmont regions. The Yadkin Valley is one of the most productive wine growing regions in the state, producing award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling and Viognier varietals.  The industry has become quite popular as a tourist attraction and tours and wine tasting events are relatively common throughout the state, year-round.

Lake James

The North Carolina Wine Festival is the largest event of its kind in North Carolina; more than 25,000 people attended last year. The Headwaters at Banner Elk, a private mountain community located north of Asheville, was a Presenting Sponsor of this year’s event at which more than 30 wineries presented their wares.  The pairing of the festival and Headwaters makes for a perfect match. The private luxury community has embraced a sustainable, environmentally responsible development concept that respects and supports the natural ambience of the region.  Other stewards of the land located within the western North Carolina mountain region include Balsam Mountain Preserve located near Waynesville; Creston, located in Black Mountain just east of Asheville; Ciel, a low density “green” community located less than ten miles from downtown Asheville, and 1780 and Old Wildlife Club on Lake James in Morganton.  All are surrounded by dense natural forests and exhibit a distinct respect for the area’s tradition of conservation by preserving the land with its native flora and fauna for future generations.

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Posted in Affluent Lifestyle, Destination Amenity Communities, Green, Luxury Real Estate, North Carolina Communities, Private Communities, Second Homes, Vacation Homes, second homes in private communities

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Second Home Destination Spotlight: Park City, Utah

Posted on May 20, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

Located about 30 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, Park City, Utah is the little mining town that could, transforming itself into a wealthy four-season resort on the heels of economic upheaval.  Park City thrived in the late 1800s as a silver mining boom brought crowds of prospectors and wealth to this outpost surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains. The town was virtually destroyed by fire in 1898 and suffered through two wars and the Great Depression as the price of silver plummeted.  By the1950’s it came close to being defined as a ghost town, hanging on by a thread, when “Parkite” miners presented a proposal for a ski resort called Treasure Mountain.  The resort opened in 1963 on 10,000 acres marking the beginning of the area becoming known as a destination ski mecca with the “Greatest Snow on Earth.”

Today, Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort and The Canyons Resort draw more than three million visitors annually.  Ski Magazine readers named Deer Valley as North America’s top ski resort three years in a row, but Park City is much more than snow.  It is also well known for unparalleled year-round outdoor recreational and leisure activities including blue-ribbon fly fishing, kayaking and white water rafting, hiking and biking expeditions, horseback riding, championship golf, hot air balloon and glider plane adventures, and a variety of local cultural events. The Sundance Film Festival is the largest of its kind in the US and attracted more than 40,000 attendees and contributed more than $90 million to the state economy in 2009.  Park City is one of the wealthiest cities in the United States and has been named by Forbes Travel among the 20 “prettiest towns,” boasting a colorful and energetic main street where 64 Victorian buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Wolf Creek Ranch, a unique private, gated community is located mere minutes from Park City and yet has a remote persona. This low-density property shares seven miles of common border with the 2.2 million-acre Uinta National Forest, and has a strong commitment to the environment, having designated 95% of its 14,000 acres to conservation.  Each 160-acre estate homesite is two miles around at its perimeter.  Roughly the size of Manhattan island, the 14,000-acre property provides refined ranch living enhanced by abundant recreational opportunities including private fishing on the upper Provo River and 50 miles of groomed trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding.  Whether as a second home or retirement destination, Wolf Creek Ranch brings out the inner cowboy in a pristine four-season private environment.

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Posted in Affluent Lifestyle, Destination Amenity Communities, Family Gatherings and Second Homes, Luxury Real Estate, Second Homes, Vacation Homes, second homes in private communities

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Festival Fever in Western North Carolina

Posted on May 17, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

Summer’s right around the corner and the Western North Carolina mountain region is busy in preparation. Festivals abound in the area, attracting vacationers, residents and wannabes to leisurely meander from venue to venue, enjoying the fine weather, culture, and down-home friendliness that Western North Carolina (WNC) is so well known for.

This year’s WNC opportunities include the Blue Ridge BBQ and Music Festival to be held at Harmon Field in Tryon, NC June 11th-12th.  At the heart of the event is the Main Stage showcasing a variety of music — everything from blues, bluegass, folk and funk to zydeco. The Foothills Craft Fair provides an opportunity to stroll the Pacolet River and peruse a variety of local artist’s wares, and the heart and soul of the festival – the cookoff – features BBQ aficionados vying for the Governor’s Trophy. 

An Appalachian Summer Festival will be held at Appalachian State University in Boone initiating May 27th with a silent auction and concluding July 30th with Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys performing. Amy Sedaris, the Eastern Philharmonic Orchestra, Patti LuPone, Janis Ian and Karla Bonoff, the Golden Dragon Acrobats, The “Wild & Scenic” Film Festival and Blood, Sweat & Tears with Chuck Negron are also on the playbill.

Down south a-ways, a free pre-concert lecture will be held on Friday, June 25th at 6:30 pm to launch the Brevard Music Festival.  The Brevard Music Center presents over 80 concerts throughout the seven-week festival, which showcases the Institutes’ three orchestras accompanied by world-class visiting artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell and Midori.  Opening Night this year will feature Frederica von Stade and conductor Keith Lockhart.  Brevard’s renowned summer festival attracts tens of thousands of listeners each and every year.

And of course it wouldn’t be summer without Bele Chere, Asheville’s 30-year-long salute to summertime. This three-day street festival will be held July 23-25, 2010 in Asheville’s historic downtown and has grown to attract 300,000 to 350,000 people over the three-day period to enjoy live music, arts, crafts and food. The festival also hosts the largest road race west of Charlotte.  The 5K race registered more than 1,400 runners in 2009 and expectations are for over 1,600 runners to toe the line for the 31st race this year. One dollar from every entry will go to the Asheville Track Club’s Shoe Fund, which provides running shoes to disadvantaged students in Asheville and Buncombe County.  An additional dollar will be donated to the Association for Retarded Citizens. Taken from an ancient Scottish dialect, the term “Bele Chere” means “beautiful living,” an apt appellation for this host city.

Private communities also offer summertime opportunities, providing a variety of stay and play getaways.   One fine example is Vista Developers’ VIP Weekends in which prospective buyers are invited to familiarize themselves with Vista’s portfolio of mountain communities. Community specialists will tailor a detailed tour of your choice to Vista at Bill’s Mountain, Vista at Blacksmith Run, Vista at Blacksmith Mountain, or Vista at The Riverbank.  All VIP weekends include two nights’ lodging in a townhome at Vista at Bill’s Mountain near Lake Lure, and recreational opportunities are available including golf, tennis, horseback riding, fishing, and kayaking.

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Posted in Affluent Lifestyle, Private Communities, Second Homes, Tourism, Vacation Homes

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Private Communities’ Favorite Amenity – Green

Posted on May 12, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

Green housing features are becoming a premium amenity in private community development.  Both primary and second home buyers are looking to “green” as a means to lower home ownership costs, be environmentally responsible, and embrace a healthier lifestyle.  Interest in green homes spans all income levels and the average green buyer will spend $12,400, on average, for green home features.  Green building focuses on energy, water and resource efficiency, indoor air quality, and low volatile organic compound building materials. Perhaps the most well known product standard is the Energy Star rating, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy.  With the help of the Energy Star program, Americans saved enough energy in 2007 to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 27 million cars, all the while saving $16 billion on their utility bills.

But what, exactly, constitutes a green recreational amenity? While we know golf courses are certainly popular, demand for land that has no purpose other than to just “be” is growing.  The age of authenticity has arrived and buyers want to know that they are a part of the movement. Passive recreational land promises to be the “gold” in the next real estate rush. While natural elements such as a resident cypress swamp might have been a detriment to property development and sales a few years back, under current definitions, it actually adds to the property’s cachet as buyers have come to value wetlands and all of their attendant flora and fauna. A swamp, much like a dense stand of forest, can also provide a buffer from development encroachment, placing a premium on property values.

Based on a National Association of Home Builders survey, nearly 60% of homebuyers prefer walking trails to any other amenity, ranking them higher than tennis, swimming pools, and golf.  Developers are responding by including dedicated trail systems in their land plans and adding them to existing communities in spite of the fact that trails are often costly to install because they must be level and well lighted.  The demand for low impact, natural, amenities reaches beyond the traditional primary residential community. Owners of vacation/second home properties are even more demanding, with expectations of on-site guided and programmed recreation much like that offered at a luxury resort. Family-oriented activities designed to appeal to the outdoorsman are crucial to the new private community prototype.

Oldfield, Okatie, SC

Camping is becoming an increasingly popular pastime and outdoor specialists can make the experience much more pleasurable by coordinating everything from the equipment and supplies to getting to the campground and finding the right fishing hole. Guided expeditions to off-site destinations require local expertise to formulate just the right experience. The Outfitter’s Center at Oldfield, a private community in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, can arrange a fly-fishing expedition guided by an on-staff river pro or a duck hunting adventure at nearby Turkey Hill Plantation. A key ingredient to providing a high-quality green recreational experience is a well-trained and well-versed staff.  These “adventure concierges” include naturalists, fishing and camping guides, and kayak and ski instructors, and not only provide entrée and guidance to your recreation of choice, but insight into local folklore that makes the experience infinitely rewarding.

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Posted in Green, Housing Market News, Private Communities, Second Homes, Vacation Homes, second homes in private communities

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Second Home Spotlight: Martin County, Florida

Posted on May 10, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| 1 Comment

Sailfish Point, Stuart, FL

Martin County has just been cited as one of the top five healthiest places to reside in the Sunshine State. The University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Center (WPHC) was awarded a $4.9 million grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation last year to expand their statewide rankings to all 50 states.  The study also found Martin County to have the “highest quality of life” based on a variety of health, lifestyle and environmental factors. The WPHC rankings draw attention to the fact that a community’s health is determined by more than just its health care system. People’s health behaviors and the socioeconomic and physical environment all contribute to a community’s level of health.  That said, Martin Memorial Medical Center has been named one of the 2009 Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals in the United States. It is the fifth time Martin Memorial has earned this esteemed distinction, making Martin County a popular retirement choice.

Nestled between tony Palm Beach and burgeoning St. Lucie counties, Martin County is comparatively laid back, boasting a low density, uncongested environment that provides each of its municipalities with a decidedly small-town feel.  The City of Stuart’s historic downtown is a winner of the “Most Beautiful City” title from America In Bloom and hosts a variety of year-round events including the annual Treasure Coast Pirate Fest.

Situated at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway and the St Lucie and Indian Rivers, Martin County boasts some of the best beaches and deep-sea fishing in the state. The area is also well known for its high-quality luxury private communities. Deep water marinas and copious championship golf layouts designed by some of the game’s greats including Pete Dye, Arthur Hills, Gene Bates and Jack Nicklaus, are the norm in private communities such as Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart and Piper’s Landing Yacht & Country Club and Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club, both in Palm City. If the ocean is your passion, Sailfish Point is a world-class, second home, island community offering a Jack Nicklaus Signature course, a beachfront country club, and a full service marina with immediate ocean access.

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Posted in Affluent Lifestyle, Destination Amenity Communities, Florida Communities, Luxury Real Estate, Private Communities, Private Golf, Second Homes, Vacation Homes, golf communities

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The Country’s Largest Gated Community Celebrates its 40th Anniversary

Posted on May 7, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

Hot Springs Village is so large that it spans two counties in central Arkansas.  At more than 26,000 acres, this self-contained resort community has not one, but five gated entrances, approximately 8,000 private residences, and an estimated full-time population of 15,000 people – at last count.  This year the community celebrates 40 years of attracting retirees and other primary residents, and second/vacation homeowners to its luxurious natural surroundings.  Virtually every state in the union is represented within the gates of Hot Springs Village.

Recent estimates call for about 34,000 resident and non-resident property owners enjoying the many recreational and social attributes of this quaint community. Nine championship golf courses, four of which are consistently ranked among Golf Digest’s “Top 10,” a 19-court tennis facility, 11 recreational lakes for boating, fishing and swimming, two full-service marinas, 24 miles of dedicated nature trails, two sandy beaches with protected swimming areas, three community pools, a full fitness center with a three-lane walking track and heated indoor lap pool, and a 650-seat Performing Arts Theatre and Community Center have been cited as the catalysts for the enduring appeal of this mega-development, but its sense of community is equally attributable. Hot Springs Village boasts more than 200 social clubs and civic organizations providing the opportunity for camaraderie while appealing to a variety of interests.  The purchase of property at Hot Springs Village includes a full membership to the club and access to all amenities. Services and conveniences within the Village include banks, shopping, dining, medical facilities, and more than 15 churches. 

Hot Springs Village is located in close proximity to “America’s First Resort.” The city of Hot Springs has long been known as a destination health spa for its healing waters and historic bathhouses and hotels.  It is surrounded by Hot Springs National Park, which encompasses the Quachita Mountains that rise above the downtown and historic Bathhouse Row.   Hot Springs is home to a thriving arts community, high-quality medical facilities, and a host of cultural and educational opportunities, and was acknowledged by Where to Retire magazine as one of “America’s Most Affordable Retirement Towns” in 2005.

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Posted in Destination Amenity Communities, Gated Community News, Golf Community News, Golf Living, Second Homes, Vacation Homes, golf communities, second homes in private communities

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Private Golf and Carolina Living

Posted on May 5, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

Scotch Hall Preserve, a luxury private golf community located in coastal North Carolina has hired the World’s No. 1 Amateur Golfer as Director of Golf to oversee the operations and member events for its award-winning Arnold Palmer Signature golf course. Nick Cassini, a former PGA and European Tour professional played NCAA golf for the University of Georgia. In his senior year he was voted a First-Team All-American, and SEC Athlete of the Year.  Cassini won the prestigious Porter Cup, was selected to the Walker Cup team, and was ranked the #1 Amateur Golfer in the World in 2001 by Golfweek.  Cassini’s depth of experience playing a variety of courses around the world brings an exciting dimension to the Scotch Hall golf experience.

Located in North Carolina’s Inner Banks region where Albermarle Sound meets the Chowan River and Salmon Creek, Scotch Hall Preserve is just minutes from the historic towns of Windsor and Edenton, NC. The golf course, which features five holes that border Albermarle Sound, was named the 9th Best New Private Golf Course in America by Golf Digest magazine.

The  golf experience at Scotch Hall Preserve is the icing on the cake at this private, gated community which also offers an impressive array of family-oriented amenities including The Family Club Retreat replete with clubhouse, swimming pool and bathhouse, a Kid’s Adventure Camp, and an Outdoor Pursuits program designed to provide local recreational and educational opportunities for members and their families.  The community’s waterfront location also provides convenient access to year-round boating and fishing in Albermarle Sound, Pamlico Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway. A private boat basin and 107-slip marina are also planned.  Housing opportunities at Scotch Hall include maintenance-free cottages and custom home building sites with water, golf and wetlands views.

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Posted in Affluent Lifestyle, Destination Amenity Communities, Gated Community News, Golf Community News, Golf Living, Luxury Real Estate, North Carolina Communities, Private Communities, Private Golf, Real Estate News, Second Homes, Vacation Homes, golf communities, second homes in private communities

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Sunshine on the Rise – Investment Activity Increases in Florida

Posted on May 3, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

According to the latest quarterly survey conducted by the University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies, foreign and domestic investors have returned to the Florida market.  Recent sales and pricing activity on the housing front support this thesis.

Florida saw unswerving growth for decades, expanding from 2.7 million residents in 1950 to 19 million in 2009, fueled significantly by retirees seeking warm weather and affordable living conditions. But the influx served to spike housing values and markets throughout the state became focused on attracting wealthy splitters and snowbirds, exacerbating the affordability issue.  By 2008, the state had the dubious distinction of having some of the priciest housing in the country while losing population for the first time in more than 50 years as half-backs deserted to more affordable markets such as the Carolinas.  As the nationwide housing bubble continued to take its toll on homeowner equity, the Sunshine state’s allure as a retirement and second home haven suffered accordingly, despite home prices having dropped 46% (on average) since their peak.

Lower prices have served to turn things around in Florida as it is once again on everyone’s radar — residents, second home buyers and investors alike.  In July 2009, the Florida Association of REALTORS reported that existing home sales had increased 18% over the previous year and existing condominium sales had risen 21%.   In Miami, the March 2010 median single-family home sales price represented a 3.8% year-over-year increase.  And in Orlando, sales were up nearly 32% in March compared to March 2009 while pending sales rose more than 40%, suggesting a continuing trend of home sale activity.

Moody’s Economy predicts that economic growth in Florida will outpace the nation between 2011 and 2016. Unlike Florida’s heyday, the state no longer relies exclusively on retirement relocation and tourism for its economic health. Cosmopolitan areas such as South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach) and the high-tech corridor that stretches across the state from the Treasure Coast to Tampa are indicative of the state’s dedication to diverse economic development. A recent University of Central Florida study suggests that in-migration to the state will resume in 2011, and population growth is predicted to climb 1.5% by 2013.  For perspective, that would account for nearly 300,000 new residents.

Florida has an abundance of beautiful communities from which new residents may choose.  For more perspective on Florida communities, go to PrivateCommunities.com.

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Posted in Florida Communities, Home prices, Housing Market News, Private Communities, Second Homes, Vacation Homes

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Balsam Mountain — Back on Top of the World

Posted on April 30, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| 1 Comment

It’s a bright new day at Balsam Mountain Preserve. After a brief six-month hiatus, one of the Southeast’s premier private communities is back on track led by international resort industry veteran and expert Ken Costanzo. In his role as president of Balsam Mountain Preserve, a private golf community located in western North Carolina, Costanzo is dedicated and optimistic: “The worst of the real estate downturn is behind us. Balsam Mountain Preserve now has the advantage of stable, institutional ownership and no debt; we’re moving forward expeditiously to complete this exceptional project in one of the country’s most beautiful settings.”

The two-year-long economic debacle has hit builders, developers and homeowners particularly hard.  Just recently we reeled from the purportedly nefarious practices of Wall Street bankers as many highly successful private communities continue to feel the proverbial “pinch of the shoe” while attempting to ride out the “perfect storm.”   The turn-around at Balsam is a decidedly positive sign. 

Immediate plans at Balsam Mountain Preserve call for the May opening of the Arnold Palmer Signature golf course for the season, and the marketing and sales of the community’s remaining 100 or so building lots.  Set deeply in the dense forests adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in close proximity to Asheville, Balsam Mountain Preserve is a beacon for environmental stewardship. More than 3,000 of its 4,400 acres (77% of the community) have been placed in a permanent conservation easement to protect and sustain its park-like ambience.  Just 354 families will have the opportunity to own a home at Balsam Mountain Preserve.

Ruby Valley Sports Camp at Night

In addition to the championship golf course and golf practice park, the community offers the Ruby Valley Sports Camp complete with fitness center, tennis courts, swimming pool and activity pavilion; horseback riding on 34 miles of private community trails; Dark Ridge Camp with pavilion, bunkhouse, numerous camping sites and trout fishing; a nature center featuring on-site Naturalists and a “Boarding House” that includes ten mountaintop cabins, a timber-framed restaurant, lounge and gathering room with a massive stone fireplace.    Balsam has been recognized by Links magazine and Travel + Leisure Golf as one of the top private golf communities in the state of North Carolina.

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Posted in Affluent Lifestyle, Destination Amenity Communities, Gated Community News, Golf Community News, Golf Living, Green, Housing Market News, Luxury Real Estate, North Carolina Communities, Private Communities, Private Golf, Real Estate News, Second Homes, Vacation Homes, golf communities, second homes in private communities

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Private Communities and Philanthropy

Posted on April 28, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

The Reserve at Lake Keowee

At a time when many private communities are suffering the ills of Wall Street, they recognize their responsibility to local residents and are generously giving back.  One such community is The Reserve at Lake Keowee in Sunset, South Carolina.

The Reserve at Lake Keowee’s Charitable Foundation has pledged $20,000 to four local non-profit organizations that provide support to the communities around Lake Keowee.  On April 12th, members of The Reserve Charitable Foundation’s Outreach Committee proudly distributed $5,000 checks to four deserving Pickens County charities: Prevent Child Abuse of Pickens County, Pickens County Meals on Wheels, Mary’s House, and Helping Hands of Clemson. Funded by The Reserve’s real estate sales, the non-profit charitable foundation assists local organizations through its Outreach program and facilitates volunteer opportunities for its residents. Property owners also play a pro-active role in the foundation’s activities by suggesting beneficiary charities. 

The Reserve at Lake Keowee has been the recipient of many awards including ranking among Travel + Leisure magazine’s “America’s Top 100 Golf Communities” in 2007, 2008 and 2009.  The private lake and golf community stretches across 3,900 acres and 30 miles of Lake Keowee shoreline and has more than 550 homeowners from more than 30 states. $100 million in completed family-friendly amenities, including a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, a 200-slip marina, a Village Center and more than 1,400 acres of parks, preserves, trails and green space will serve as the backdrop for the community’s four-day Memorial Day celebration beginning on Friday, May 28th.  Scheduled events include a Kids’ Biathlon, a Boat Show, Boat Parade and Blessing of the Fleet, a cookout, and “Pooches on Parade.” The event will come to a close on Monday the 31st with a Flag Golf Tournament.  In the spirit of the community, proceeds from a Wine Auction on Friday night will benefit The Foothills Humane Society.

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Green Communities — A Growing Trend

Posted on April 26, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| 1 Comment

Bald Head Island, North Carolina

The Conservation Easement Incentive Act of 2009 was recently passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 241-181.  The bill promotes the use of conservation easements by allowing private landowners to retain ownership and control the management of their property, while ensuring that the physical integrity of those lands are conserved for the future. Over the last two years, 535,000 acres were put into trusts, representing a 50% increase and a growing appreciation of, and responsibility to the “green movement,” particularly with respect to private, second home and vacation destination communities.

Some private communities have been ahead of the curve, using conservation easements and deed restrictions to protect the land and its indigenous wildlife while providing exceptional private lifestyle experiences. Balsam Mountain Preserve, located just off the Great Smokey Mountain Expressway in western North Carolina, has placed 3,000 of its 4,400 acres into a conservation easement resulting in an extraordinarily low-density environment of just 354 residences.  In addition to its abundant natural amenities recreational opportunities include championship golf, equestrian, tennis, and fitness facilities, and family campgrounds, replete with bunkhouses and bathing facilities.

A shining example of the successful application of deed restrictions is Spring Island in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Over 1,200 of the community’s 3,000 acres are dedicated to nature preserves managed by the Spring Island Trust, a non-profit, third-party entity created solely for the purpose of protecting the land. The community contains just 410 homesites, an on-site nature center, an equestrian center and 35 miles of riding trails, more than 30 freshwater and saltwater ponds for fishing, and the award-winning Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay-designed golf course that meanders through a 150-year-old live oak forest and along the marsh and the community’s famous Tabby ruins.  Balsam Mountain and Spring Island are Chaffin/Light communities, leaders in environmentally responsible community development.

Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, SC

Resort communities that have taken the “green” initiative Palmetto Bluff. Located in coastal South Carolina, this 20,000-acre property began by setting aside 6,500 acres as managed forest and putting another 734 acres into a conservation easement.  The waters surrounding Palmetto Bluff team with wildlife and nearly 200 acres have been dedicated to equestrian activities. The southernmost of North Carolina’s Cape Islands is Bald Head Island, a private retreat boasting thousands of acres of unspoiled coastal preserves.  The island is accessed via a 20-minute ferry ride from Southport, and the absence of automobile traffic on the island speaks to the sublime nature of this luxury resort community. Bald Head is extending the availability of its Island Passport Package through the end of the year for those who wish to visit.

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North Carolina Wine Country – A Tasty Appellation

Posted on April 23, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

North Carolina’s reputation as a second home and retirement haven for splitters and half-backs is well known.  From its miles of pristine beaches meandering along the Atlantic to the majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Tar Heel State is one of the most beautiful and bountiful in the southeast region.  But a less known fact is that by the dawn of the 20th century, North Carolina had become the leading wine-producing region in the nation. Since 2001, the number of wineries has more than quadrupled and now approximately 90 vineyards dot the landscape from the Outer Banks to the Piedmont.

When Sir Walter Raleigh first landed on the beaches of the Outer Banks, his men reported that it was “so full of grapes as the very beating and surge of the sea overflowed them.”   During the 17th and 18th centuries, settlers planted cuttings from the parent muscadine vine found on Roanoke Island.  Imported European vinifera grape vines followed and were found to thrive in the Western and Piedmont regions. The Yadkin Valley is one of the most productive wine growing regions in the state, producing award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling and Viognier varietals.  The industry has become quite popular as a tourist attraction and tours and wine tasting events are relatively common throughout the state, year-round.

The Headwaters at Banner Elk

The 10th Annual North Carolina Wine Festival will be held on May 29th, 2010 at Tanglewood Park near Winston-Salem, NC.  It is the largest event of its kind in North Carolina; more than 25,000 people attended last year. The Headwaters at Banner Elk, a private mountain community located north of Asheville, is a Presenting Sponsor of the event at which more than 30 wineries will be presenting their wares.  The pairing of the festival and Headwaters makes for a perfect match. The private luxury community considers itself to be a steward of the land, embracing sustainable, environmentally responsible development practices that respect and supporting the natural ambience of the property. If you happen to attend the May festival, stop by The Headwaters tent and find out why so many families have made it their second home choice.

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South Carolina’s Lowcountry – Laid-Back Luxury

Posted on April 19, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| 6 Comments

South Carolina's Lowcountry

Definitions of luxury vary from person to person, but I think most would agree that luxury is palpable — yet unpretentious — in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.  From its luxuriant marshes, picturesque inlets and unspoiled beaches, to its profusion of verdant golf courses and architecturally striking housing, the region is internationally renown for its history and culture, attracting millions of visitors and thousands of new residents seeking that “ahhhhh” sensation that is so typical a reaction to this bucolic destination.

Stretching from the ancient beach dunes of the Sandhills to the vibrant resorts of Hilton Head, the Palmetto State’s Lowcountry is dotted with dozens of quaint seaside retreats and fishing villages.  Murrells Inlet has earned the title “ fish capital of South Carolina” for the fare drawn from its waters and served daily at the many restaurants lining the waterfront.  Pawley’s Island, approximately 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach, is one of the country’s oldest beach resorts, and just half an hour away from the bustle of Myrtle Beach, Litchfield is noted for its miles of wide sandy beaches, world-class golf, village-style shops and fine dining.  Just off the lowcountry coastline lie a bevy of islands that have established the region’s persona as a casual luxury resort destination.  Edisto, Fripp, Kiawah, and Hilton Head are just a few that provide not only copious recreation opportunities and luxury accommodations but a variety of housing – everything from single family estate homes to “lock and leave” condominium apartment flats and townhomes.

Hilton Head Island

Private communities located along this naturally endowed stretch of coastline include DeBordieu Colony, a 2,700-acre hideaway located just north of Charleston in historic Georgetown.  Located between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, DeBordieu features a Pete Dye-designed golf course and six and one-half miles of beachfront. Dataw Island is located in the Sea Islands region and was the site of an 18th century plantation that has been transformed into a secluded private community boasting two championship golf courses.  Amenities abound at Oldfield in Okatie, conveniently located nearly equidistant between Hilton Head, Beaufort and Savannah.  Greg Norman golf, 20-acres of dedicated equestrian facilities, 8 miles of nature trails, tennis, swimming, a variety of water sports and access to a 1,000-acre hunting preserve make this private community one of a kind.  Nature is the key amenity at Hilton Head Lakes in Hardeeville where the 452-acre community is surrounded by nature preserves and 22 miles of lake shoreline. Hampton Lake, located in Bluffton, just west of Hilton Head Island, received top honors in the 2009 National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) “Best in America Living Awards” (BALA).  Initially envisioned as a golf community, Hampton Lake was redesigned as a lake community with a resort style amenity complex, enhanced by a 340-acre nature preserve with nine miles of trails.

Shopping for a new, vacation or second home in South Carolina’s Lowcountry is like going to an “all you can eat” buffet — so much – and then so much more.  Finding just the right combination of enticements can make the experience very gratifying.

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Investing in a New Home in the Lone Star State – The Sublime State of Texas

Posted on April 14, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| 1 Comment

Texas has been cited as a forerunner in the ongoing economic recovery and a solid location for investment in retirement and second home communities.  Located in Texas’ famed Hill Country, both San Antonio and Austin have become well known for abundant opportunities to purchase second homes and retirement homes in an upscale recreationally-oriented environment.  Private communities that personify this perception include Cordillera Ranch, a multi-recreation community located in Boerne, a suburb of San Antonio. The 8,700-acre private community exemplifies the active adult lifestyle, boasting seven different club opportunities featuring golf, tennis and swim, equestrian, hunting and fishing, health and fitness and water sports.  With regard to size, First Mountain on Canyon Lake represents the opposite end of the housing spectrum. At just 90 acres and fewer than 50 homes, this intimate enclave is situated on the 8,300-acre Canyon Lake, aka, the “Water Recreational Capital of Texas.” Conveniently nestled between San Antonio and Austin, First Mountain on Canyon Lake is located on its own private mountain and is endowed with some of the most panoramic vistas of the Texas Hill Country.  Ancillary amenities include a resort-style swim facility, miles of walking trails and access to the Guadalupe River by way of Canyon Lake, two full-service marinas and Canyon Lake Golf Club.

Canyon Lake

According to Allied Van Lines’ 42nd Annual Magnet States Report, more individuals and families chose to settle deep in the heart of Texas than anywhere else in the US in 2009.  This is Texas’ fifth consecutive year outpacing every other state, and based on recent achievements and projections, the recognition appears well deserved. Texas added 50,000 new jobs in the 4th quarter of 2009, and projections for 2010 call for continued job growth in several of the state’s larger markets. San Antonio is expected to add 22,000 jobs in 2010 and Austin is projected to expand local payrolls with the addition of 19,000 payroll positions. On the housing front, Austin area homes sales jumped 5% in January 2010, and the median price was up 1% to $179,250. Statewide, housing inventory fell approximately 5% in January. Both conditions suggest that now may just be the time to buy.

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Mickelson Masters Augusta – Tiger Out of the Woods

Posted on April 12, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

Augusta National

Watching the final day of the Masters golf championship at Augusta National, the allure of the game was patently clear. Besides great golfers – Mickelson was masterful and Tiger walked away with a respectable eleven, albeit to the chagrin of his adoring fans after finding himself amongst the trees more than once – the splendor that is Augusta National was awe-inspiring.  A well-designed golf course is not just a recreational retreat, but a thing of beauty.  This is perhaps the reason that Tiger Woods designs, in his own words “a very select few.”  While walking the terrain of the first Tiger Woods-designed course in the U.S. and discussing its progress, Woods was asked by Cliffs at High Carolina developer Jim Anthony if he thought High Carolina represented a good location, particularly for splitters, people who own second homes and divvy their time up between them.  Woods enthusiastically replied that he would, in all likelihood, be a splitter himself, having a home in Central Florida and eventually a second in High Carolina.  He could not say enough about the abundant “viewscapes” inherent in High Carolina’s topography and the private community’s convenient location just east of super-popular Asheville, NC, a consistent #1 pick by a variety of pundits for both retirement and second home living.  In keeping with The Cliffs’ wellness philosophy, the golf course at High Carolina will be a walking course and will accommodate players of all skill levels.  Construction at High Carolina began last year and completion is anticipated for 2012.

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Second-Home Tax Deductions – Things To Know

Posted on April 9, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

The benefits of owning a second home are numerous, particularly if used as a family retreat.  The relaxation and recreation that a getaway provides cannot be put into monetary terms. But many second homes are used as income-producing investments and the rent derived from them can serve to defray the cost of owning and maintaining the property.  In this regard, the benefits are tangible and can result in tax consequences.  That said, most of IRS’ rules are relatively palatable.

According to the IRS you can have only one main residence at any one time, and a second home is any home that you choose to treat as your second home. You can have more than one second home, but only one second home can be “qualified” for tax purposes.

Your second home can represent tax benefits. Married taxpayers who file jointly can deduct interest on a combined total of $1 million of “home acquisition debt” for their primary and secondary residences. Further, homeowners may deduct up to a combined total of $100,000 of home-equity debt on their first and second homes as well.

Lauderdale Bay Villas and Yacht Club, Myrtle Beach, SC

IRS rules for second home qualification include:

  • If you purchase a new home during the year, you can choose to treat the new home as your second home as of the day you buy it.
    • If your main home no longer qualifies as your primary residence, you can choose to treat it as your second home as of the day you stop using it as your main home.
    • If your second home is sold during the year or becomes your primary residence, you can choose a new second home as of the day you sell the old one or begin using it as your main home.

If you have a second home and rent it out part of the year, you are obliged to personally use it during the year in order for it to qualify as a second home.  You must use the home more than 14 days per year, or more than 10% of the number of days during the year that the home is rented (“at a fair rental rate,”) whichever is greater. If you do not use the home long enough, it is considered rental property and not a second home. For more information on residential rental property, see IRS Publication 527.

In any event, you may want to consider hiring a tax professional to address some of these issues.  A trained tax professional will advise on the myriad homeowner benefits that can often be overlooked or fall through the cracks when we file on our own.

Source:  IRS.gov Publication 936

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Duke and The Triangle – A Pair of Winners

Posted on April 7, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

How about that Duke!  Persevering to beat Butler 61-59 to become the NCAA basketball champions in a benchmark game – at no point in the final competition did either team have more than a six point lead.  The private university’s persistence to succeed personifies the spirit of the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Triangle region. Loaded with educational, cultural and social opportunities, high-quality healthcare, myriad private community choices and historic charm, the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill market area is a slam-dunk when it comes to making a second home or retirement destination choice.

The Raleigh market area has grown nearly 40% — more than 4% per year — since 2000.  This compares to a growth rate of less than one (<1%) percent per year for the rest of the country. The rate of growth for the “mature” population is even more remarkable. The market area’s 65+ segment is projected to grow more than 50% by 2014 or 11% per year. In a recent study conducted by the Brookings Institute, the Raleigh market area ranked number one for senior relocation ahead of Austin, Atlanta, Boise and Las Vegas.

Briar Chapel

Private community opportunities offering a wide array of recreational and social amenities and activities abound throughout the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Triangle area.  Located in Raleigh, Wakefield Plantation is a 2,200-acre master-planned community with a private TPC golf course and TPC Sports Club. In North Raleigh, Bedford at Falls River boasts a Central Park, a Recreation Center, two swimming pools, tennis and volleyball courts and 26 miles of tree-lined sidewalks. In Chapel Hill the Governors Club offers 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature golf, a 42,000 square foot clubhouse, a comprehensive Tennis Club, and fitness and swim facilities. The Legacy at Jordan Lake offers direct access to the 14,000-acre lake for boating, fishing and swimming.  This resort community also has tennis and sports courts, a short iron golf course, fitness and swimming facilities, and 12 miles of dedicated walking trails.  Located on the periphery of Chapel Hill is Briar Chapel, the largest “green” community in the Triangle with a 66-acre community park with soccer, football and baseball fields, 21 neighborhood parks, a village center, an amphitheater, and 24 miles of hiking and biking trails.  And those are just the on-site amenities.  The Triangle abounds with state and county parks and hiking, biking and golfing opportunities.  Wake County alone has more than 30 golf facilities, more than half of which are open to the public.

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Second Home Sales Heat Up As Cash Buyers Step Up

Posted on April 2, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

The Lodges at Eagles Nest

According to a just released National Association of Realtors (NAR) Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, sales of vacation homes increased 7.9% in 2009 compared to 2008 and market share rose to 10% from 9%.  In comparison, investor-oriented sales fell 15.9% in 2009.  That said, investor purchases were responsible for nearly two-thirds of all of the second home sales in 2009 and nearly one-half of investment buyers paid cash compared to less than one-third of vacation homebuyers.  Correlating pricing with this fact is revealing.  While the median investor property sales price fell 2.8% in 2009, the median vacation property price rose 12.7%.  This suggests that vacation home pricing may have reached its bottom last year.

NAR reports that 27% of homebuyers in 2009 were “vacation” and/or “investment” homebuyers; 17% or 940,000 were investment purchases while 10% or 533,000 were vacation purchases.  While segregating the “second home” segment appears to be splitting hairs, there are some distinct differences* in these two products and their related buyer profiles.

Similar demographic characteristics for the two buyer types include married couples with a median age in the mid-40s and households supported by two income earners.  The differences between the two focus largely on the types of properties that are favored.  While 30% of vacation homebuyers prefer a rural location, 35% of investment buyers prefer the suburbs. Vacation home buyers will travel more than 300 miles from their primary residence, while investment buyers will travel a comparatively modest stretch of fewer than 25 miles. Both prefer existing (vs. new) single-family properties, but investor buyers have a stronger propensity to purchase condominium apartments.

Note:  The term “Second Home” may include similar property types but it contains two distinctly different purchase motivations. “Vacation” homes are second homes that are used exclusively as recreational destinations for the buyer and the buyer’s family and friends while motivations for the purchase of “investment” second homes typically include investment portfolio diversification, potential rental income, and tax benefits.  That said, the buyer may, or may not, use the property periodically for personal leisure.

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Fore! at Barefoot Resort and Golf on South Carolina’s Grand Strand

Posted on March 31, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

South Carolina’s Grand Strand has been, for decades, a mecca for tourists, second homeowners, and retirees seeking a sublime escape. Stretching from Cape Fear, North Carolina to Georgetown, South Carolina, it consists of more than 60 miles of essentially uninterrupted Atlantic Coast beachfront. But its pristine beaches aren’t the only contributor to the region’s popularity as a tourist destination.  There’s also golf — lots and lots of golf. The Grand Strand is home to more than 125 courses, (more than 1,800 holes of golf) — all kinds — all sizes — all skill levels – designed by a bevy of celebrity golf course architects. And the best part of Grand Strand golf is that the vast majority of the facilities are open to the public.

Located in North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Resort and Golf is marking its 10th anniversary this year.  Barefoot is one of the most popular destination golf resorts in the country having four championship layouts designed by golf greats Greg Norman, Pete Dye, Davis Love III and Tom Fazio. Barefoot Beach Resort is well known for the most highly anticipated debut in golf history with the opening all four of its acclaimed layouts on the same day on April 13, 2000.  But the amenities don’t end with golf. A 40,000 square foot clubhouse; an 8-acre Resident’s Club including fitness facilities, an outdoor pool with lap and wading areas, lighted tennis courts, a variety of kid-friendly features, restaurants, a private Beach Cabana with a furnished sundeck, beach showers, and privileged beach access and much more make Barefoot a unique resort community.  Future plans call for the development of a hotel, marina and water complex, a town center, and a full-service spa.  Centex Homes, rated “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with New Home Buyers” by J.D. Power and Associates, is the master builder offering a broad array of single-family homes, townhomes and villas. In the spirit of celebrating its past and in excited anticipation of its future, Barefoot will be offering a variety of promotional packages this spring.

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Vacation Home Investment in Mesmeric Mexico

Posted on March 29, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| 1 Comment

Colorful, vibrant, miles of pristine beaches, crystalline bodies of water, and an abundance of resort opportunities come to mind when we think of Mexico.  But in recent years, it has evolved into a safe haven for real estate investment, offering attractive home ownership opportunities in an environment that is undergoing significant growth. While much of the early development in Mexico had been highly commercial in nature, focusing on all-inclusive and timeshare resorts, as ownership laws and lending practices have become more “Americanized” private community development has taken flight, appealing to second home owners, and ex-patriots from all over the world who are seeking a more cost-efficient way of life upon retirement.

Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta – all recognizable Mexico resort destinations that have attracted visitors for decades. Unlike these resort locations, Mazatlán has roots in a tradition of trade and commerce, coming late to the discovery that its miles and miles of sand beaches translated to tourism opportunities.  In this regard, it’s towns and city centers have a prevalent historic nature not often found in Mexican resort locations. Situated on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, almost directly across from the tip of the Baja peninsula, Mazatlán was first colonized by the Mayans.  The name, which means “place of the deer” in the native Nahuatl language, speaks to the region’s remarkable scenic beauty.  Set at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains on a peninsula that extends into the Pacific Ocean, Mazatlán boasts Mexico’s largest commercial port and has its own international airport and car ferry service for trips across the Gulf of California to La Paz.  Interestingly, the City is segregated into two distinct areas: Zona Dorada (Golden Zone) where the majority of hotels and restaurants are located, and El Centro, the downtown, or “heart of the city.” Since 2000, the historic downtown has been undergoing a major restoration of many of its buildings including the famous Plaza Machado. The two city centers are linked by Avenue Del Mar, also known as the Malecón, a scenic beachfront walkway connecting the two destinations.

Estrella del Mar Golf and Beach Resort is being developed as an “American” master-planned community approximately ten minutes from Mazatlán’s International Airport and less than 30 minutes from the heart of the city. The 800-acre oceanfront luxury resort community offers overnight villa accommodations for visitors, and condominiums, and estate beachfront and golf course lots for ownership.  The community is anchored by an 18-hole beachfront golf course designed by legendary Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and is rated amongst the best golf courses in Mexico.  An on-site Turtle Preserve dedicated to protecting sea turtles and other precious wildlife speaks to the environmental sensitivity of the Estrella del Mar development.

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On Top of the World – Asheville, North Carolina Remains a Top Pick for Second Homes and Retirement

Posted on March 26, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| 1 Comment

If you’ve ever driven the Blue Ridge Parkway, you know the feeling. Breathtaking vistas for miles around are picture-postcard perfect.  A temperate four-season climate, abundant recreation and extensive and diversified housing opportunities have been attracting visitors and new residents to the western North Carolina Mountain Region for decades. Strategically located less than a days’ drive of 70 of the nation’s top 100 metropolitan areas, the region is uniquely suited as a second/vacation home destination. A significant influx of retirees and pre-retirees has spawned a variety of ancillary services and amenities.  As part of the local campus of UNC, the Asheville-based North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement is today regarded as one of the nation’s top institutions for adult learning.

Nestled amongst majestic mountains, the eclectic city of Asheville has popped up on many national rankings over the years including AARP’s “Best Places to Reinvent Your Life,” and “The 50 Most Alive Places To Be.” American Style magazine recognized it as one of “America’s Top 25 Arts Destinations,” and it has also been cited as one of the happiest places in the U.S. in Eric Weiner’s 2008 book, The Geography of Bliss. Therefore, it was not surprising that it showed up on Barron’s 2009 rankings of the “Best Places for Second Homes.” Currently available luxury homes located in and around the Asheville market are priced from $600,000 to several million dollars for an average list price of $1.2 million.

Just a short drive from Asheville is Burnsville, the “Gateway to Mt. Mitchell,” the highest point east of the Rockies and home to The Preserve at Wolf Laurel.  The 1,300-acre master-planned community marks the final phase of the larger Wolf Laurel Resort development.  The community’s established environment and copious in-place amenities make for a distinct sense of community.  “Down home pleasures” are commonplace at The Preserve and have included the gathering of 700 residents for a 4th of July celebration. This spirit of community lifestyle is showcased in the preservation and restoration of the The Buck House, the former homestead of original property owners David and Pearl Buck and their eight children.  Eighty-five percent of the 13-room Colonial Revival structure’s wood is original, and the property, which is operated as a B&B to accommodate potential property owners, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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California Dreamin’ – Golf and Luxury on the Monterey Peninsula

Posted on March 24, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

A leader for 85 years in wealth analysis, Barron’s, recently named Pebble Beach #6 on its list of the “10 Best Places in America” for second homes.  Located on the Golden State’s pastoral Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach has long been known for its superlative golf.  Rated the #1 public golf facility in America by Golf Digest for 2009-10, the Pebble Beach Golf Links have hosted four U.S. Opens and will be the site for the 2010 challenge slated for June 14-20.  But Pebble Beach isn’t the only game in town. There are more than 20 other golf opportunities, some of which are located within the verdant Del Monte Forest, which surrounds the community of Pebble Beach.  Estate homes, with panoramic views of Monterey Bay are abundant.  According to Barron’s, the median home value in the marketplace is $1.1 million reflecting a 20% reduction from peak pricing.

Just minutes from Pebble Beach lies the quaint seaside village of Carmel.  Well-known as the home of Clint Eastwood, a former mayor of Carmel, this charismatic town has been a world-renown destination resort and artist colony since the turn of the last century.  California’s “jewel city” is at once eclectic and bucolic and has been cited as the “dog-friendliest” city in the country.  From inception, preservation of the natural environment has been a vital consideration as the city founders constructed roads to weave around existing trees in an effort to preserve the area’s ambiance.

And the concept upon which the town was founded has never been forgotten.  Sustainable development is the principle upon which Tehama is emerging.  This contemporary development overlooking Carmel Bay comprises 2,000 rolling acres but is planned for just 90 homesteads.

The development of Tehama, which is a Native American word meaning “abundance of nature,” has been guided by Clint Eastwood’s dedication to sustainable development – more than 85% of the land has been permanently preserved as open space and the project has been honored with California’s Golden Bear Award for diligent protection of the environment.  In addition to its abundant natural assets, the community includes an 18-hole Jay Morrish-designed golf course, tennis, swimming and fitness facilities.

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Seductive Seconds – Luxury Second Homes Lure Americans to Exotic Locations

Posted on March 17, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

Ah . . . the seduction of a getaway in an exotic location.  Second home sales have begun to gather momentum again as buyers recognize that prices have never been better.  Due to its relatively recent emergence on the second home market radar, Curacao is one of the best-kept getaway secrets in the Caribbean. Its location off the coast of Venezuela suggests it is a part of South America, but this gorgeous transcontinental island is actually one of the five island territories that comprise the Netherlands Antilles. Curacao is a culturally rich, polyglot society – a veritable melting pot of ethnicities.  Most residents speak many languages including the native creole Papiamentu, which derived from Portugese, as well as Dutch, Spanish and English.  The history and culture of this island territory is most evident in Willemstad, a world-class capital and port city and a United Nations Heritage Site. There are some 750 historic buildings in Willemstad which merit preservation, including the Mikve Israel – Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest synagogue still standing that has been continuously used for religious services. Built in 1730 by a Sephardic Jewish community that had relocated to Curacao from Amsterdam, the structure’s simple sand floor contrasts sharply with the regally appointed sanctuary accentuated by huge brass chandeliers and candelabras.

Willemstad Harbor

But Curacao has more than history to offer.  It is, perhaps one of the best-known deep-sea fishing and reef diving venues in the world with more than 60 locations for scuba diving and snorkeling.  The island’s coastline is diverse and features many bays and inlets, most of which are suitable for mooring.  And Willemstad offers more than 200 shops, restaurants, casinos and nightlife spots in its historic downtown. One of the most recent developments on the island has been the construction of the five-star Hyatt Regency Curacao, which is located within the island’s newest resort community, Santa Barbara Plantation.  The 350-room property is accepting reservations beginning April 20, 2010.  The 1,500-acre Santa Barbara Plantation is surrounded on three sides by the Caribbean and boasts a full service marina and “Old Quarry,” an 18-hole Pete Dye golf course.

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Top Ten Reasons to Sample Second Homes This Winter

Posted on January 24, 2010 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

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RiverMist: Centex in North Carolina

RiverMist at Dutchman Village is a Centex community where you can sample the lifestyle this winter with a Discovery Package. With all the late night television barbs exchanged lately, Private Communities Newswire decided to offer a less comedic list of reasons why a Discovery Package is a such a good idea. We’ll leave the real comedy to the late night hosts, but here are ten fun reasons you should book one. Can you hear the drum roll?

10. When you have a great time in an ideal retirement destination or second home spot, you’ll ramble on about it for weeks to friends and family.

9. If you end up buying a home in Lake Lure, North Carolina — and your name is Bill — you can tell everyone you know that they named the mountain there for you as part of your deal.

8. Wyboo!

7. You can take advantage of a Golden Opportunity to horse around in Central Florida, a breading ground for great thoroughbreds.

6. You can Reserve the right to keep all the fun you had to yourself.

5. You’ll get to tell everyone you lived like a Champion!

4. You can spend only a few days in Florida and learn to speak French.

3. It’s your national duty to see a great second home destination.

2. Spring is almost here!

And the number one reason you should sample a second home this winter…

1. Baby, it’s cold outside.

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No Rebound for Second Homes in 2009, Despite Optimism

Posted on December 29, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

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Second homes made news in 2009, but unlike a few years ago they were not the center of attention, with foreclosures and general economic woes taking center stage.

Private Communities Newswire polled thousands of monthly visitors to see if they thought second homes would make a comeback in 2009; a robust 52 percent said “yes,” 37 percent said “no” and the other 12 percent of responders were “not sure.” The poll conducted through “polldaddy.com” was not scientific, but it did show those who have an interest in the second home market are still in the game either as shoppers, real estate professionals or sellers.

The Tennessean Media Group's Snapshot of Boomers

It is possible that second homes will become more popular in 2010 with some select buyers like baby boomers, some who still have the means to make the lifestyle change from one to two homes. Even a souring economy is not likely to curb some independent-minded boomers who have had their hearts set on the decision for decades.

Expect those with second homes to get more use out of them as they consider their own future plans and face another cold winter in some regions.

The housing industry faced similar tough times in the early 1990s and it was the boomers who helped fuel a real estate expansion to the Sun Belt and even in locations closer to home. If they do it again, it could be a gradual increase rather than another boom. Please share your 2010 predictions with us.

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Has The Decade Left You Crying, Or Laughing?

Posted on November 25, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

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TIME Suggests it's time for a New Decade

Whenever “year-end journalism” like TIME’s piece on the 00′s hits the news stands, our computer screens and mobile devices it is cause for reflection. Was this decade truly bad (even though it technically does not end for another 12 months) or have we been conditioned by our news media to focus on agendas somewhat removed from our own?

There is the sense that we share a collective American Experience, and we all mourn when tragedy befalls our nation. But we end up retreating to our own lives, our own families and situations. Americans are more likely to pay attention to football games than get caught up in world affairs.

As Thanksgiving is on our collective minds this week; best wishes to you if the decade has treated you well. If you have suffered, may the final year of this decade and the next decade bring you plenty to celebrate.

The Private Communities Newswire Poll is still taking votes, even if we are still waiting for a real estate market recovery. Results thus far show we are an optimistic bunch.

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Fractional Sailing: Gated and Private Communities

Posted on November 20, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

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There are so many ways to set sail, and in second home hubs like Florida there are smart choices available for people who do. One good idea is to select a private community or a gated community where boats are central to the amenity experience. Being able to hop on your boat for a sunset cruise after a round of golf can make for an ideal day with family and friends.

Grand Harbor in Vero Beach, Florida

Grand Harbor in Vero Beach, Florida

Fractional sailing is catching on these days and it makes sense for the same reasons fractional second home ownership makes sense for some. Sophisticated buyers of second homes do their best to get the most for their money and if you sail a little or a lot, a private community is the kind of place where these experiences await.

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Summer Camp Second Homes All Year, The Lodges at Eagles Nest in North Carolina

Posted on September 11, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

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The best North Carolina second homes in private communities are featured here. This week we turn our attention toward summer camp, one of those childhood experiences designed to get us in touch with nature. We spend the rest of our lives with the fond memories of what it was like to play all day long with friends or family. Of course, the famous 1960s Allan Sherman song parody about Camp Grenada could also remind us of the flip side of summer camp and its rustic amenities that always looked better in the brochure than they did when we arrived.

But what if you could really have the ideal place for a summer camp that could be a winter, fall and spring camp too? What if nature were civilized without being urbanized? Scenic, but not isolated from the activities and events that enrich life?

Banner Elk, North Carolina and Aspen, Colorado Share Luxury and Nature

Banner Elk, North Carolina and Aspen, Colorado offer Luxury + Nature. For Video, Click the Photo.

The Lodges at Eagles Nest is touting its High Country Land Rush Weekend this October in Banner Elk, North Carolina. For those interested in North Carolina real estate and second homes it should be a great gathering of people seeking to re-live all the good things about summer camp while staying comfortably in luxury’s lap.

Preferred pricing on preferred home sites runs from October 23-25.

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Second Home Values in Gated Communities

Posted on August 19, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

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Here’s an interesting slide show from BusinessWeek. It begs the question about the enclaves where more affluent buyers and owners have the strongest staying power. Are the kinds of communities that have helped certain ZIP codes hold their value despite previous downturns feeling the pain too?

Briar's Creek

Briar's Creek in South Carolina

Arizona's Saddle Creek Ranch

Arizona's Saddle Creek Ranch

Here’s a sampling of news reports from around the Web offering mixed, but mainly positive signals:
Northeast West Coastal Carolina Florida

Another good place to keep tabs on market conditions is Realty Times, or you can get super-specific and contact some developers directly to see what the latest deals and offers might be on vacation homes or relocation opportunities across America by visiting PrivateCommunities.com

Delaware's Heritage Shores

Delaware's Heritage Shores

Stone Creek in Central Florida

Stone Creek in Central Florida

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PrivateCommunities.com Makes Getting Updates Easy

Posted on August 10, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

PrivateCommunities.com Makes Getting Updates EasyAdd to My Yahoo!

There is nothing better than having someone looking out for you, and the Web’s top research portal for destination amenity communities since 1996 is ready to do just that. If you are even casually looking for a second home or a relocation to a private, gated community almost anywhere — you can plug into the latest updates by clicking here.

Buying land or buying a spot on the sea, you will know when the latest primary or second home opportunities in master-planned communities are available. Once you find that dream location, you can easily cancel your updates or share the service with friends — telling them how all your shopping was done for you, while you were busy reading other e-mails. If you’re selling a house in a gated community, it is a great place to be seen too. Sellers tend to find the most qualified buyers at PrivateCommunities.com

Frenchman's Creek in Palm Beach Gardens is One Community Where Buyers and Sellers Find Common Ground Over Spectacula Golf and Recreation

Frenchman's Creek in Palm Beach Gardens is One Community Where Buyers and Sellers Find Common Ground Over Spectacular Golf and Recreation

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All Star Second Homes Not A Long Way From St. Louis

Posted on July 13, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

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Photo by Michael Behrens

Street & Smith's Points to New All Star Tone

With All Star Weekend in full swing, first with a celebrity softball game, then Monday’s Homerun Derby Major League Baseball takes the field to showcase some of the top talent in the game. Writer Eric Fisher of Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal points to a changed tone for the 2009 All Star Game based on the changes in the economy.

Coach Bob Knight Takes Some Swings During All Star Weekend

Coach Bob Knight Takes Some Swings During All Star Weekend in St. Louis, Missouri

Americans have been looking at many aspects of their lives differently these days. Even in previous economic downturns baseball is something we’ve gone back to that offers us a sense of simplicity. A sense of community.  At places like Hot Springs Village in Arkansas (the nation’s largest gated community) and Branson Creek in Missouri, another American tradition is celebrated: the family. Read this interesting story about how Branson, for example, is getting back to basics to beat the recession. If how we live defines us as a nation and our standard of living is to remain strong, second homes will be a part of that standard. They allow us an escape to ideal locations for a little rest and relaxation with those we love. Vacations are about changing your surroundings. Home is about family. See more “All Star” options here.

All Star Gated Community Hot Springs Village

All Star Gated Community Hot Springs Village

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Second Homes Near Colleges and Universities

Posted on July 11, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment
Ocean City, Maryland is home to Chesapeake College and The Gateway Grand

Ocean City, Maryland is home to Chesapeake College and The Gateway Grand

Second Homes Near Colleges and Universities Add to My Yahoo!

Although community amenities like marinas, golf and fitness facilities remain a big draw for attracting today’s second home buyers, location is still central to how people decide on a second home. One attractive option is a college town. With a second home purchase near a college or university you can really benefit from the intellectual activity of the greater community when you step outside your gated community.

The Institute for Adult Learning at Chesapeake College, for example, offers classes in “Mastering French Wines,” and in “Navigation Charts” and “Electronic Navigation,” where instructor Jerry Friedman shows students how to safely pilot a boat with and without newer gizmos like GPS systems. If you wanted to take up boating as a new hobby, the resources are right there in the community through the connection to the college.

Second home owners can truly enrich their lives on both sides of the gates when they find private communities in these college-connected places. Walk the beach in the morning;  experience life-long learning all day long. You’ll even know the best French wine to order with your fresh catch.

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Signs of Chicago Second-Home Life from The New York Times

Posted on July 10, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

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Chicago is not the only large city that has second-home appeal, the lifestyle at Chapel Cove in Charlotte, North Carolina touts easy access to the Queen City but is still close to nature

Chicago is not the only large city that has second-home appeal, the lifestyle at Chapel Cove in Charlotte, North Carolina touts easy access to the Queen City but is still close to nature

Nice story here about a family who splits their time between Naperville and Chicago, Illinois. Susan Saulny’s piece plays up the aspirational nature of second homes and this news is not getting out as much as it used to with the mainstream media understandably so focused on the bad numbers and the foreclosure culture present in so many vacation home markets.

There are many deals out there now, and maybe there are other potential splitters (people who split their time between two or more homes for work, family and recreation) who might begin to realize that a down market is a good time to buy. For some perfect second-home shopping all over America with little more than a mouse click, visit PrivateCommunities.com

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Try Second Home Shopping with Google Apps

Posted on July 9, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| 1 Comment

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Technology can present us with a dizzying amount of choices and things to remember. How many e-mail accounts, passwords and bookmarks can one person remember?

Four in five Internet sessions begin with search engines like Yahoo! or Google, and even these services are adapting to consumer demand. This handy video about Google Apps shows just how easy it can be to integrate your work and personal life around a central shared calendar, schedule meetings, share information and even subscribe to Google Alerts to get the information you want when you want it. The days of the typical e-mail box could be numbered. Of course, the wrinkle in all of this with Google is that they have added a $50 annual fee for use. So, redesigning your information experience will come with a price tag.

While Private Communities Newswire is not in the business of recommending technology to visitors, it might be worth the 30-day free trial Google is offering on Google Apps. Try subscribing to our RSS Feed too. If you are thinking about searching for a second home, we can feed you with helpful information about some of the best communities out there. If you already use Google Apps, please leave us a comment on how you like it.

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Baseball, Apple Pie and Second Homes on Independence Day

Posted on July 4, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| 1 Comment

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Even in tough economic times, “July 4th” offers us a day to reflect on what America is suppose to be. The day is celebrated as a holiday for a reason; it belongs to all of us. The idea of our independence could be credited to Richard Henry Lee (1732-1794), who offered the Resolutions for Independence in 1776 leading to the Declaration of Independence. So many Americans celebrate the freedoms we have enjoyed as part of our “pursuit of happiness.”

Richard Henry Lee (Read more about him and the other signers of the Declaration of Independence by clickin on his photo

Richard Henry Lee -- Read more about him and the other signers of the Declaration of Independence by clicking on his photo

The New Deal has meant many things to many people, and one of its outcomes was Social Security. The idea that Americans entering their Golden Years could have something to work for; the opportunity to retire with dignity and pursue their own dreams. A new idea emerged in 1960, it was the original Sun City near Phoenix, Arizona. Builder Del E. Webb and his company created a place where the average retiree could afford a home on their fixed Social Security income. The concept was to keep the houses modest but build rich amenities for those “55 and better” to enjoy. Today, most anyone nearing retirement has heard of Del Webb. (To see one of the latest versions of the concept, click here.)

America is an experiment, and people moving to warmer climates in retirement was not even a brand new concept in 1960. But what Webb did was nothing short of build a new American Dream for people.

TIME Featured Webb's New Concept in a 1962 Cover Story

TIME Featured Webb's Concept (1962 Cover Story)

There is no telling what will be the next big trend in second homes or in American culture, but with 77 million baby boomers looking at their own retirement during the next two decades it would be unimaginable to think that the mobility to retire or buy a second home in any location they choose would not be attractive. That mobility has been driving our nation’s post-war economy. This “July 4th” marks the 35th Anniversary of Del E. Webb’s death, but the concept lives on all over America. The concept of creating places where people can pursue their happiness.

For more resources on Mr. Webb, click here. For a comprehensive hub for finding amenity communities, visit PrivateCommunities.com

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Best Time for a Second Home, Really

Posted on June 20, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

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It’s always enjoyable to see a Top 10 list with great information like this one

MSNBC.com and Forbes.com

There are some incredible deals out there now in the second home marketplace. One concern people have is shopping for homes online and never quite knowing what they will get. The good news is that PrivateCommunities.com groups its second home and vacation home opportunities by specific community rather than relying on a multiple listing service. Like golf? See this. Tennis? Hunting? Babysitting services? Croquet? Boat slips? Go here and shop for everything you want. Get the research done in one spot.

Cheval in Mint

Cheval in Mint Hill, North Carolina

Frenchman's Creek in Palm Beach Gardens

Frenchman's Creek in Palm Beach Gardens

It is not always easy to find private clubs and communities, but if you are looking to buy a new second home or one in a more established destination, a little research at the Web’s top spot for destination amenity communities since 1996 can truly help.

You can also get  materials sent from developers or homeowners associations right away, so you can do the comprehensive research it takes to make the big decision at what more people are saying is the best time to buy.

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Investors Off the Fence Across the Pond?

Posted on June 16, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

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Will U.S. Real Estate Get Boost Soon?

Will U.S. Real Estate Get Boost Soon?

Just in from The New York Times, it appears that investors are looking at commercial real estate in Britain, and maybe U.S. residential real estate might get some attention from international investors soon too? For a decade, markets like Orlando, Florida, gained greatly from Brits who purchased vacation homes — and Florida is still The Sunshine State, after all. See this interesting 2008 piece about wider European tastes in second homes from Forbes.com

A community like VillageWalk at Lake Nona, for example, still holds wide American and international appeal for its great Central Florida location. A second home as a rental property could hold some cachet for investors as fewer Americans are in the market to buy and might instead decide to rent in attractive locations, even annually.

A private, gated community is still the best place to buy a second home because it can be maintained and kept attractive more reliably than the non-gated variety. The Times piece also compares this real estate downturn to that of the 1990s, so perhaps the bottom being near will get American and international residential buyers off the fence too. An assortment of ideal private communities can be searched at the Web’s best research portal for them — PrivateCommunities.com

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Branson, Las Vegas Both Entertaining Second Homes

Posted on June 10, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

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Tony Roi as Elvis

Tony Roi as Elvis

For decades the link between attractive tourist destinations and real estate has been growing. It’s no secret that people tend to buy second homes or retire in places they’ve visited and loved on vacation. Entertainment is a main reason Southern California has grown into a population center, with film and television production driving so much of the economy there.

Consider Las Vegas, Nevada and Branson, Missouri. These two vacation destinations frequently share some of the same entertaining experiences. Want to see Donny and Marie Osmond? How about taking the family to an IMAX movie? The entertainment offerings are similar up until the availability of gaming.

Developers are building great master-planned communities in vacation destinations. Some have come up with rather innovative ideas like fractional ownership to woo vacationers who like to make repeat visits.

At Branson Creek, The Cliffs at the John Daly-designed Murder Rock are 1,400-square-foot fractional units located on the front nine of the golf course. Purchasing just 12 fractional shares gets buyers three full weeks per quarter in any available Registry Collection resort property. The first fractional units begin construction at John Daly’s Murder Rock this fall, with fractional shares now available for purchase.

Entertainment in Missouri

Outdoor Entertainment at Branson Creek

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the Memorial Tournament, Back Where Jack Built

Posted on June 7, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| 2 Comments

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Watch the exciting Final Round from Dublin, Ohio. Who will win? Woods? Furyk? Byrd? Letzig? Ogilvy? Or will it be Davis Love, III? The tournament course at Muirfield Village Golf Club was designed by The Golden Bear himself, Jack Nicklaus. See more of his designs by taking a tour of PrivateCommunities.com

superstitionmountaingolfandcountryclub-mdbayside-mdreynoldsplantation-mdmontreux-mdcliffsatwalnutcove-mdgovernorsclub-mdlegacylakes-mdstjamesplantation-mdcliffscommunities-mdkiawahisland-md

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RidgeWater in Oregon, a Hidden Gem Near Klamath Falls

Posted on June 5, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| 2 Comments

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Southern Oregon Beauty

Southern Oregon Beauty

If you’ve never been to Southern Oregon, the next few months are a great time to go. Just don’t be surprised if you end up moving there or buying a second home in the region. Relocate-America.com picked Klamath Falls as one of its Top 100 Places to Live in 2007.

Places like Klamath Falls are unsurpassed for their unique terrain and proximity to the dramatic beachscapes of the Pacific Ocean. Cultural and recreational opportunities abound in wide-open surroundings. The pace of life is easy too, so you can take your time when you are taking it all in.

The Oregon Shakepeare Festival is a nearby national treasure and the area, along the Northern California border, boasts the highest concentration of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. You can get Oregon travel tips from insiders day or night by joining Twitter, and joining the free conversation.

If you decide to do your homework on getting a second home or relocating to Oregon, you can access the Web’s best resource for finding master-planned communities since 1996 with a visit to PrivateCommunities.com

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ULI Points to Post-Recession Health for Real Estate

Posted on June 1, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| 1 Comment

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Long-term thinking about luxury housing in America’s best destinations is not necessarily tied to larger economic factors. In fact, many gated communities have seen steady sales during economic downturns before, and it is hard to believe that those with means will not invest in a vacation home or second home at some point, maybe as soon as they escape some of the larger group psychology of the economic crises. Many communities that feature private club living can be researched at PrivateCommunities.com

Clearly, for buyers who can afford them, second homes and vacation homes will have an inelastic demand based on emotion and aspiration. When they begin to buy them, it may not be in significant enough numbers to get coverage from the mainstream news media who tend to cover trends that can be generalized over larger populations. Private Communities Newswire invites Comments from developers who are selling second homes, even if these numbers are lower than they were five years ago. This may give us all some local insights, which will be helpful long before the mainstream media crunches the numbers.

For global insights the Urban Land Institute (ULI) released its latest publication in June, examining the implications of global population growth, migration and urbanization as well as aging populations on the future of real estate.

ULI CEO Richard Rosan

ULI's Richard Rosan

According to ULI: “Global Demographics 2009…is the second in an annual series that explores how demographic trends are affecting real estate investment and development decisions worldwide.” Some findings of the study follow. Continue reading →

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Bay Creek’s Jim Cramer Makes Sense of the Housing Bubble

Posted on May 22, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| 2 Comments

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Stunning Scenery at Bay Creek

Stunning Bay Creek

Jim Cramer of Bay Creek Resort and Club in Cape Charles, Virginia put the housing bubble nicely into context in a March posting on the community’s blog. After reading his insightful analysis, the question becomes: what might be keeping affluent buyers on the sidelines?

[See Comments]

Continue reading →

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Best Golf Courses in North Carolina, Experts Name 2009 List

Posted on May 20, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| 6 Comments

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Claiming its territory as one of the best places for golf, Business North Carolina has once again named the state’s Top 100 Golf Courses. The publication assembles 150 experts from the news media, club professional and general managers as well as others in-the-know to rate golf courses in the Tar Heel State. Again this year, Continue reading →

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Outer Banks, Deep Water Make Albemarle Plantation Ideal for Undecided

Posted on May 14, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| 3 Comments

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Albemarle Plantation

Greens, or Deep Blues?

Indecision plays a big part in the selection of a vacation home. What’s most important to a couple or a family can change over time. There are beach people and some are boaters; others must report to the golf course on a daily basis. If you have a big crew of family and friends joining you at your vacation spot, pleasing a crowd of undecided people can get complicated too. Continue reading →

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Shop Luxury Without Leaving Home; Get a Second Home at Half Price

Posted on May 6, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

Shop Luxury Without Leaving Home; Get a Second Home at Half PriceAdd to My Yahoo!

The economy has forced “a correction” in the real estate market where pre-housing bubble prices are making a comeback. At Tantallon Preserve, there’s an incredible opportunity for getting more for your money. Get a great deal online and experience unbelievable luxury by placing a bid. The auction ends June 9, but if you visit www.buyatauction.com/tantallon you have a chance to live the dream at a price that will make you feel like a bargain hunter in the lap of luxury.

Does a $300,000 Discount Get Your Attention?

Does a $300,000 Discount Get Your Attention?

Homes previously selling from the upper $600,000′s are offered at minimum bids from the low $300.000′s. Tantallon Preserve is a collection of homes ideally located in Fort Washington, Maryland, near Washington, D.C. Near the eastern bank of the Potomac River, the community is close to boating at Fort Washington Marina, golfing at the Tantallon Country Club, swimming at the Fort Washington pool and convenient dining, entertainment and services.

For other great opportunities to buy second homes, visit PrivateCommunities.com

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Second Homes and Buffett’s “Woodstock”

Posted on May 2, 2009 by privatecommunitiesnewswire.com| Leave a comment

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kingA Game of Omaha

This weekend’s Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) shareholders meeting will be watched closely by investors in America as Warren Buffett, one of the largest concentrators of wealth, speaks and fields questions.

Omaha, Nebraska is the location of the meeting and the game plan will be the discussion of investment opportunities. As a card game, Omaha Hold Em’ gives players the chance to win with better hands than in other poker games — and this can lead to high stakes. It could be argued that as an investment entity, Berkshire has played the “hold em’ game” better than anyone, even though 2008 was not the firm’s best year.

Fortune says more than 30,000 are expected
Fortune says more than 30,000 are expected

The questions and answers at this meeting will not change the economy overnight unless the group gets a little more creative. So much of the economy is tied to the housing market, and the jobs and investments it drives. At the same time, foreclosures by banks continue to spread fear and doubt in the American mind, so what can stop the fear?

Private Communities Newswire will not be sending a correspondent to the meeting, but it would be great to ask the entire group why investors are not more excited about making American consumers more stable by addressing jobs in industries that require a wide range of professional skills. How about the housing market itself? What about people who want to stay in their homes?

Notice how Buffett encourages his investors to buy from companies within its own portfolio, what if Buffett encouraged the same investors to buy second homes in their own communities (maybe even from people facing foreclosure who could rent it back from these well-heeled investors so properties are not vacated). Could one of the world’s richest people use his influence to creatively rehabilitate the second home industry and breath life into one of our nation’s traditional symbols of economic security? Maybe someone in line will ask the question before the game is over; investors buying up houses would be both noble and helpful for the larger economy. This shuffle and deal could be a hand where everybody wins.

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