“In today’s market, home sellers need to talk to real estate professionals who understand the specifics of this challenging market,” said Rick Davidson, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “We are pleased to make the CDPE designation more widely available to our franchise system, enabling more of our sales professionals to provide effective and efficient service throughout the short sale process. The CDPE certification will enhance our agents’ abilities to help distressed homeowners.”

In a short sale transaction, homeowners avoid foreclosure by working with their lenders and selling their property for less than the mortgage amount owed.

Based in Austin, Texas, the Distressed Property Institute has trained more than 24,000 real estate professionals, making CDPE the fastest-growing, independent designation in real estate industry history. A survey of its membership revealed that CDPE-designated agents reported an average 49 percent decrease in short sale processing time since achieving the designation. In addition, these agents typically list seven-times, and close five-times as many properties as the average National Association of REALTORS® agent.

“CENTURY 21 is the most recognizable brand in the real estate industry with a significant and admirable commitment to continued agent education,” Alex Charfen, co-founder and CEO of the Institute, said. “The steps taken by CENTURY 21 to provide the CDPE designation training reinforces that commitment, and will help their sales professionals thrive in this market.”

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Orlando, FL (PRWEB) July 9, 2010 — My Florida Regional MLS (MFRMLS) is proud to welcome Aaron Chandler as its newly elected President for the 2010-2011 term. Presiding over a cadre of elected volunteers, Chandler and the Board of Directors govern the operations and policies of MFRMLS—a consortium formed by 13 shareholder REALTOR® associations throughout central and southwest Florida.

As a long-time Floridian and owner/broker of Brooks Chandler Realty and CDC Properties of Central Florida located in Lakeland, Florida, Chandler’s experience as a REALTOR® and as a former general contractor spans for more than 30 years—helping him to acquire the wisdom and leadership needed to guide the regional multiple listing service through the next stages of the housing turnaround.

Prior to his ascension to the presidency, Chandler has served on the MLS Board of Directors for the past five years. Previous positions include President-Elect, Treasurer and a few years as a Director representing the Lakeland Association of REALTORS®. He has also chaired several committees including Finance, Investment and several relating to MLS Technology. Chandler possesses the e-PRO Certification for Internet Professionalism from the National Association of REALTORS® and is a candidate for the distinguished designation of Certified Real Estate Broker Manager (CRB).

During his term, Chandler and MFRMLS are committed to providing value-added services that rival the best in the industry. In addition to the core listing database, the MLS subscribers receive numerous productivity and marketing tools to help improve their efficiency as real estate professionals. Through the “strength-in-numbers” concept championed by MFRMLS, subscribers have access to the top technology real estate products in the nation. Chandler and his team work diligently to offer these tools at little or no extra cost to the subscribers.

Chandler played a significant role in the launch of a free home buyers’ website—MyFloridaHomesMLS.com. Launched in November 2008 with marketing and promotional efforts coming to fruition during 2009 and year-to-date 2010, MyFloridaHomesMLS.com is bridging the gap between home buyers and the MLS. “Traditionally, MLS information was not available to the general public. MyFloridaHomesMLS.com allows consumers to research homes for sale, value their homes, search for short sale and bank-owned homes, and even locate a REALTOR®,” says Chandler. “The website is synchronized with the MLS every 15 minutes, which makes it among the most timely and accurate in the Florida market.”

Recently, the organization extended its offering beyond residential properties. Designed specifically for commercial real estate transactions, Chandler and his team launched My Florida Commercial Real Estate (MFCRE) in January 2010. “Primary advantages a subscriber can receive with MFCRE over a national company are local decision making, competitive pricing and a carry-over of the productivity tools also offered on the residential MLS,” says Chandler.

During his time off, Chandler is a true Floridian. With his family, he enjoys the state’s natural beauty and the recreational settings around Lakeland and Tampa Bay. Like a seasoned real estate agent who knows the location of the region’s hidden gems, he enjoys discovering the lesser-known waterways and fishing locations.

About My Florida Regional MLS—My Florida Regional MLS (MFRMLS) is Florida’s largest multiple listing service with approximately 28,000 subscribers. Owned by 13 shareholder REALTOR® Boards and Associations located in 11 central and southwest Florida counties, MFRMLS offers a comprehensive suite of productivity and marketing tools to professionals in the real estate industry. MFRMLS operates MyFloridaHomesMLS.com, a free public-facing real estate website. MFRMLS also owns My Florida Commercial Real Estate (mfcre.com), a subscription-based commercial information exchange for commercial real estate agents.

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(PRWEB) June 30, 2010 — Presenting the best of what the Silver Spring, MD real estate market has to offer, Realtor Stanley Barsch has launched Stanleybarsch.com, a one stop destination for Silver Spring homes for sale and other choice properties in the region. “There has never been a better time to invest in Silver Spring real estate than now,” says Barsch. “There’s a broad range of residential options here, ranging from single-family homes to townhouses and Silver Spring condominiums.” With its revitalized downtown area, outstanding schools, vibrant arts scene, and close proximity to Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Silver Spring in Montgomery County, Maryland continues to attract homebuyers and visitors alike. Families and other homebuyers will surely appreciate the fact that Silver Spring was listed as one of America’s Most Livable Metro-Area Suburbs by Forbes.com in 2007, while Montgomery County as a whole was number one in CNN/Money’s “Best Places for A Long Life” list in 2008. When it comes to looking for the properties they want, Stanleybarsch.com makes it all easier for homebuyers. The site features listings of Stanley’s current property offerings, as well as extensive MLS search tools that let visitors narrow down their specific choices. Also featured are useful guides and step by step roadmaps for Buyers and Sellers, as well as local information about Silver Spring. A current resident of Silver Spring, Stanley Barsch prides himself on his home matchmaking skills, with a passion that makes buyers and sellers feel like part of his family, instead of being just another client. A Montgomery County Police Officer in addition to being a full-time Realtor with Long & Foster, Stanley sees his dual roles as an advantage. “My law enforcement experience has given me years of knowledge in the neighborhoods of Montgomery County, which no other agent can top,” he states. Through the years, numerous buyers and sellers have counted on Stanley to handle their real estate transactions in Silver Spring. For more information, visit www.StanleyBarsch.com“>Stanleybarsch.com or get in touch directly with him today. Presenting the best of what the Silver Spring, MD real estate market has to offer, Realtor Stanley Barsch has launched Stanleybarsch.com, a one stop destination for Silver Spring homes for sale and other choice properties in the region. “There has never been a better time to invest in Silver Spring real estate than now,” says Barsch. “There’s a broad range of residential options here, ranging from single-family homes to townhouses and Silver Spring condominiums.”

With its revitalized downtown area, outstanding schools, vibrant arts scene, and close proximity to Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Silver Spring in Montgomery County, Maryland continues to attract homebuyers and visitors alike. Families and other homebuyers will surely appreciate the fact that Silver Spring was listed as one of America’s Most Livable Metro-Area Suburbs by Forbes.com in 2007, while Montgomery County as a whole was number one in CNN/Money’s “Best Places for A Long Life” list in 2008.

When it comes to looking for the properties they want, Stanleybarsch.com makes it all easier for homebuyers. The site features listings of Stanley’s current property offerings, as well as extensive MLS search tools that let visitors narrow down their specific choices. Also featured are useful guides and step by step roadmaps for Buyers and Sellers, as well as local information about Silver Spring.

A current resident of Silver Spring, Stanley Barsch prides himself on his home matchmaking skills, with a passion that makes buyers and sellers feel like part of his family, instead of being just another client. A Montgomery County Police Officer in addition to being a full-time Realtor with Long & Foster, Stanley sees his dual roles as an advantage. “My law enforcement experience has given me years of knowledge in the neighborhoods of Montgomery County, which no other agent can top,” he states.

Through the years, numerous buyers and sellers have counted on Stanley to handle their real estate transactions in Silver Spring. For more information, visit www.StanleyBarsch.com“>Stanleybarsch.com or get in touch directly with him today.

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/stanley-barsch/silver-spring-real-estate/prweb4199664.htm

Greenville SC (PRWEB) June 19, 2010 — While sales of Greenville SC Real Estate homes have stabilized over the past 6 months, those in the real estate industry find themselves on a different playing field since the deadline to obtain the federal tax credit has expired. Up until April 30, the active segment was first time home buyers looking for homes under $150,000, with a stagnant market above $250,000. Through May of 2010, 73% of the homes sold were under $200K. Through this period, inventory in the lower price point had shrunk and it was difficult to find good homes for those seeking the tax credit.

In the past six weeks, a period when one would expect to see seasonal high activity, buyer interest has declined and inventories in all price points have increased. It appears that a solid buyers market will affect Greenville SC home sales for the rest of the year, particularly in homes priced above $200k. Throw in record low interest rates plus more available jumbo loans, and making a purchase looks even more affordable.

New home construction continues to struggle, mostly because financing is still difficult to obtain for the builders. A buyer won’t find many spec homes out there, but there are a lot of builder incentives for those who want to start a home to custom specifications. Just driving by any entrance to one of these communities will bombard the viewer with banners galore advertising FREE everything. Buyers can anticipate getting about half off on upgrades plus closing costs thrown in if they use builder’s lender. Local RE/MAX Realtor Lee Cunningham offers this advice, however:

“When it comes to new home construction subdivisions, Buyer Beware”, he says. “There are a lot of unfinished subdivisions that may offer a good deal on a home, but also incur some risk for the buyer because they will probably not be finished for a few years. A wise investor will be sure to check with a Realtor to see which subdivisions have gone bankrupt and what the new builders are offering compared to the original ones.”

The Greenville foreclosures market has leveled off over the past few months, compared to double digit increases in distressed houses since 2007. For Greenville County, foreclosures are up only 8% over last years figures, but that is well below the increases of 28 to 32% over the last three years. The current increase partially stems from previous postponed foreclosures that have finally made it back to the market after failed loan modifications or short sales. There will probably be more increases in the next year as a second set of high risk adjustable loans reset with higher interest rates. The average price point of $80,000 is an important aspect of local foreclosures compared to the national average. These homes reflect homes that originally sold in the $100-120,000 price range and are limited in size and quality. Homes above 2000 square feet with a price point above $200,000 are much more difficult to find.

The downtown Greenville condos market was once a solid performer as investors and owner occupants flocked in to live close to the coveted Main Street scene and activities. Prices have softened a bit, but the difficulty in financing condos and townhomes has caused those sales to decline. According to the Greenville MLS, 30% of the recent sales have been cash and half have been conventional loans with substantial down payments. The average price of these properties sold in the central downtown district was $409,000, which indicated typically larger units.

Much of the slumping real estate market is due to lack of buyer confidence and a national unemployment rate that is slow to improve. Greenville County’s unemployment rate has dropped a couple of percentage points to 10.5% this year and the outlook is bright for the area. Several of the major employers have committed to expansions and newcomer Proterra, Inc., will soon begin producing electric hybrid buses in Greenville at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research campus. BMW reports they will increase production at their new manufacturing line. And Southwest Airlines thinks Greenville is on the upswing too; they recently announced that they would begin to serve South Carolina at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport later this year. Having Southwest on board is big news for our area because their discount fares will force the competitors into better pricing. Plus, it’s a big advantage when local leaders are recruiting new corporations to the Upstate. Look out…here comes the Upstate of South Carolina!

For more information from the experts in Greenville real estate, contact the author below:

Lee Cunningham
The Cunningham Team
Re/Max Realty Professionals
600 Independence Boulevard, Greenville, SC 29615
Office: (864) 679-0707
www.GreenvilleSCRealEstate.net

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/greenville-sc-real-estate/6-2010/prweb4138294.htm

(PRWEB) June 11, 2010 — Leading Denver real estate firm Ideal Properties of Denver has just launched a new interactive real estate investment website, Denver real estate investments and the wealth of housing options that the region has to offer.

Formed by top-producing brokers Wendy Levy and Vicky Porter, Ideal Properties of Denver aims to provide a level of real estate service that goes beyond the ordinary. Levy, Porter and the rest of their team have years of experience in the Denver housing market, from Southeast Denver real estate to Park Hill, Denver real estate.

“We are pleased that the launch of our new site coincides with the recovery that the Denver real estate market is currently undergoing,” says Levy. “It’s a gradual recovery, but it certainly underscores the fact that the region’s housing market in general is really quite stable.”

“Denver’s prospects for future, long-term growth are also excellent,” adds Porter. “According to the most recent forecast from the Denver Economic Development Corporation, while unemployment will probably remain high in 2010, the contraction in unsold inventory is expected to continue and it is projected that home sales will rise as well.”

Generally considered to have a more stable economy and real estate market as compared to other metro areas, Denver was ranked #7 in Forbes magazine’s “Best Cities for a Housing Recovery” list. The Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Statistical Area was also ranked 6th in Forbes’ list of “Cities Where the Recession is Easing.”

More in-depth information on the real estate market and opportunities in Denver can be found in the firm’s new website, www.IdealPropertiesofDenver.com.

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/06/prweb4117254.htm

The squeeze-out gave Germany a free hand to restructure HRE, which is one of Germany’s highest profile casualties of the credit crisis, requiring around 100 billion euros ($146 billion) in state aid, mainly loan guarantees, to stay alive.

Funds advised by U.S. private equity group J.C. Flowers & Co LLC had filed a lawsuit against the full nationalisation of HRE, arguing that Germany’s actions represented a “violation of constitutionally protected ownership rights” that resulted in the expropriation of shareholders.

The court is likely not to assess the move as expropriation, the judge said.

A final decision is to be announced on 20 Jan 2011.

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(Vocus) June 5, 2010 — In May, the Florida legislature voted to approve the state’s budget, which included a $50-million appropriation for the Innovation Incentive Program – part of a three-year, $130-million commitment to establish a branch of The Jackson Laboratory in Collier County, one of the five counties that make up the new Southwest Florida region.

The Jackson Laboratory, an independent, nonprofit genetics research firm, currently has 1,400 employees located in Bar Harbor, Maine, and in Sacramento, California. The expectations are that the Florida project will create 200 to 250 new jobs in Southwest Florida – specifically in the greater Naples area of Collier County – over the next several years.

The company’s President and CEO, Rick Woychik, Ph.D., called the state’s funding “an important first step” in advancing the development of a branch of The Jackson Laboratory in Southwest Florida. However, in order to proceed, the project also requires institutional partnerships in Southwest Florida, matching funds from Collier County and approval by The Jackson Laboratory’s Board of Trustees.

Based in Maine, the new Southwest Florida facility would be the company’s first expansion since the opening of The Jackson Laboratory-West in Sacramento in 2001. Since then, that facility has moved to larger quarters and now has more than 100 employees. During the same period, the Laboratory’s headquarters in Bar Harbor added nearly 300 new jobs, and officials there expect to add approximately 200 more during the next 5-10 years.

Plans for The Jackson Laboratory’s new Southwest Florida facility call for about 200 employees. Working in collaboration with their colleagues in Maine, scientists in Southwest Florida would investigate the genetic basis of such diseases as cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s, along with the foundations and stages of human development and aging.

Business leaders and economic planners from throughout Southwest Florida already foresee The Jackson Laboratory’s new facility in Collier County lighting the way for an even larger research and education community – one that has already begun to spark the Southwest Florida economy. And members of the new Southwest Florida Economic Development Partnership are excited about the business it will bring to their five-county region.

The Southwest Florida Economic Development Partnership is made up of Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Lee and Sarasota counties, all of which have come together to put the economic well-being of the Southwest Florida region front and center. The focus of the partnership is the recruitment, retention and creation of high-wage jobs in targeted industries, such as high-tech, health, life and environmental sciences, information technology, and specialty manufacturing. For more information, visit the Southwest Florida website at ABrighterPlace.com.

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New York, NY (PRWEB) May 24, 2010 — Spring, traditionally a busy season in real estate, is off to a strong start for http://www.elikaassociates.com[Elika Associates, Manhattan's first and only exclusive buyers brokerage, which saw incredible sales activity in all sectors of the market.

Elika Associates, a boutique brokerage that works extensively with high-end and international buyers, experienced a diversification in its market share, thanks in large part to the Federal Housing Tax Credit propelling first-time homebuyers to enter the market. Pieds-a-terre buyers and international investors were also active players in the marketplace and Gea Elika, the company’s founder and principal broker, along with his top agent, Megan McGinn, completed eight deals in the first quarter of the year.

“A wide range of well-qualified buyers are stepping away from the sidelines as the market bottoms out and as a result Elika Associates experienced a tremendous growth in our client base,” said Elika. “The luxury market is next to recover and I’m confident that we’ll see more high-end buyers ready to pull the trigger by year’s end.”

In the months leading up to the deadline for the Federal Housing Tax Credit, Elika Associates experienced a surge in leads from pre-qualified, first time homebuyers, fielding 20 to 30 inquiries per day. Elika agents are currently reporting a wave of parents purchasing homes for their children who will be starting at city universities in the fall and international buyers who are looking to invest in a recovering New York market, some even purchasing apartments sight-unseen.

About Elika Associates
Elika Associates is New York’s premier buyers brokerage. Elika exclusively represents the buyer and provides exceptional services tailored to each discerning client’s unique real estate needs. Elika provides buyers with expert unbiased assistance with all property inquiries while finding, managing and negotiating the purchase of their next real estate investment. Elika Associates is a proud member of REBNY, FIABCI, NAEBA and REALTOR(TM). For more information, please visit www.elikaassociates.com.

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Subject to the terms and conditions of the Convertible Notes exchange offer, the Company is offering to exchange any and all of its Convertible Notes for the following consideration per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes validly tendered: (i) 24.1546 shares of the Company’s common stock, (ii) a cash payment of $180.00, and (iii) accrued and unpaid interest on the Convertible Notes to, but excluding, the settlement date, payable in cash.

The terms and conditions of the exchange offer are described in the preliminary prospectus dated May 14, 2010 and related letter of transmittal relating to the exchange offer.  The completion of the exchange offer is subject to the conditions described in these documents, which include, among other conditions, the effectiveness of the registration statement relating to the exchange offer.  The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum principal amount of Convertible Notes being tendered.  Subject to applicable law, the Company may waive certain other conditions applicable to the exchange offer or extend, terminate or otherwise amend the exchange offer in its sole discretion.

The firm, called Caymus Real Estate LLC, is expected to benefit from Van Tuyl’s deep pockets as founder of the Merriam-based Van Tuyl Group, which describes itself as managing the largest group of privately held auto dealerships in the United States. The firm works with 65 independent dealerships and also has offices in Phoenix and Irving, Texas.

Minneapolis-based Opus Northwest is up for sale, which prompted members of its Kansas City office to reach out to Van Tuyl.

“We wanted to continue the team,” said Dave Harrison, former vice president for real estate development for Opus. “We started running down a parallel path and the opportunity with Mr. Van Tuyl came to us, and it’s a phenomenal opportunity.”

Joining Harrison in the venture are other former Opus Northwest colleagues Bret Sheffield, Rich Muller and Dave Lacy.