Raj Qsar on the state of the luxury market: ‘It’s on fire’

The owner and CEO of The Boutique Real Estate Group in Orange County has seen a significant shift in buyer attitudes since the onset of the pandemic

This spring has been an exceptionally tumultuous one for the luxury market — a pandemic, an initial fear of a market crash and, later, a boom of affluent buyers looking to spend big money on homes in places like Orange County and the Hamptons.

Raj Qsar

Raj Qsar, the owner and CEO of The Boutique Real Estate Group, has been at the forefront of that ride through the unknown. His brokerage, which works with homes from $2 million to upwards of $10 million in Orange County, California, has seen a direct shift in buyer attitudes — from fear and hesitation when the pandemic first hit in March to a present-day focus on finding a home that can be a long-term source of shelter and enjoyment. Money is going toward not just primary and vacation home markets but also home improvements aimed at making a home a personal haven.

“Many dual-income millennials who are making decent money have really changed their perspective,” Qsar told Inman, adding that size and amenities are the hottest trends in real estate. “You can see a definite mindset shift. They’re really coming in and not buying that tiny shack with room for one bed. They want a single-family home with a front yard and a backyard.”

We’ve interviewed Qsar about what his buyers are asking for and how that could shape the future of luxury real estate for years to come.

Inman News: What’s been happening in the Orange County luxury world during the last few weeks?

Raj Qsar: We’ve definitely seen a change in the luxury market. You could even say it’s on fire. It’s picked up a lot, at all price points — $1-$5M, $5-$10M and $10M and up. Buyers and sellers are definitely both in the market. There was a pause at the beginning of the virus just because no one knew what was going to happen. The last two weeks of March were definitely interesting but then things slowly started picking up. In the blink of an eye, the market was back. It’s now the strongest it’s ever been, really.

Is that due to pent-up demand, springtime buyer interest or a combination of both?

We keep hearing about pent-up demand from every news channel. I think there’s a little bit of truth to that but I think that people also, after going through what the country went through and spending so much time locked up inside, just want a nice place. Home offices were gone and now everyone wants a home office again. They’re working from home and want a place to be when the kids are all over. The secondary housing market is strong too because people want a place that they can escape to.

So the initial fear of the pandemic prompting a housing crash has been far from your experience?

That’s right. They’ve been saying that the market is going to crash and that we’re going to go into a recession for the last four or five years. The exact opposite is happening, actually. The market is stronger than ever, and people want to spend money on real estate. The first couple of weeks were a little bit scary, but I really do feel like people want to spend and they want to spend it on their house.

What are some other things that luxury buyers are asking you about?

Pools are back in, outdoor kitchens, outdoor barbecues — anything outdoors. People are putting money into their homes, upgrading with really nice high-end appliances, things like that. Owners want to love their house and everything about it. A lot of stuff that was being put off, like adding another bedroom or bathroom, is back. People are doing whatever they wanted to do.

You’ve observed a big change in buyer priorities?

Yes. Many dual-income millennials who are making decent money have really changed their perspective. You can see a definite mindset shift. They’re really coming in and not buying that tiny shack with room for one bed. They want a single-family home with a front yard and a backyard. All the stuff that wasn’t important has become important again.

Could these buyer preferences alter how future houses are built for years to come?

I think so. There’s definitely a shift in the whole indoor/outdoor space. People want the inside to feel like the outside and the outside to feel like the inside. Living rooms, cabanas, TVs — the stuff that we’re seeing right now is jaw-dropping. The stuff people are doing to their houses, it’s like going to a beach party in Vegas. We’re just a few months into the virus, but the aftermath of it is going to be years and years. People are always going to remember 2020 and being locked up at home. That will influence what they want in their homes.

BY VERONIKA BONDARENKO via Inman News

10 Questions with Raj Qsar

With so much panic and uncertainty in the world today, I figured there was no better person to interview for this week’s 10 Questions series than my good friend, Raj Qsar. Raj is the owner of The Boutique Real Estate Group based in Orange County, CA. Not only is Raj one of the leading minds in real estate innovation, but he’s not too proud to share everything he knows with the industry he loves to challenge us all to find new ways of doing things. His marketing is a step above the rest (just check out one of his videos) and when it comes to just about anything – I know Raj not only has everyone’s best interests at heart but delivers with a laugh and a smile. Get to know more about Raj here.

With a new “smart” something coming out almost every day, what products amaze and astound you?

Raj-Alyssa.jpg

I am pretty sure you know my answer to this… TikTok. It is not just a dancing app where you are being silly. It truly is addictive. And the skills an individual can learn from mastering the app will carry on for years to come. What you can simply do on TikTok used to take a team of five people to pull off 5 years ago. It also gives you some insight into what is trending and relevant in today’s world.

With a million things happening at any one moment, how do you manage your time?

I am a huge believer in having a schedule and time-blocking chunks of the day. My routine is pretty much the same everyday (for work and my personal life). The details of what I am doing may change, just like a real estate transaction, but the core is the same.

What is something you’re really proud of? Why?

Probably the fact that back in 2008 I decided to take a leap and shoot a video. And not just a video but an actual movie on a listing. This was back before any of us knew how to shoot video on anything. I wanted to be different. I wanted to stand out. I wanted to give our clients the best chance of success on selling their home (which they tried to do several times before they met me). We had no idea of what we were doing or how to cut or edit the video but it was one of the most critical “ah ha” moments in my real estate career.

What’s the best and worst thing about getting older?

Worst – The fact that you are getting older and realizing that you can not control time.
Best – You truly realize who your tribe is over time. The people that stick with you, love you no matter what and want to do time with you. You also realize that life is full of moments with people (not things).  And every moment is what you make of it and is irreplaceable.


How do you relax?
Ever since I was a kid I have loved the ocean. I am not sure why because my parents really do not love the water. I mean my Mom does not know how to swim? But at an early age, they got us all into swim lessons and started taking us to the beach. In Orange County, I love to relax (in the afternoon) on any beach and watch the sunset.

What kind of projects would you like to do more of?
I think there is a huge need in our industry for true camaraderie, especially in leadership. CEO’s helping CEO’s navigate the waters we sail every day. Our industry is so complex and slammed with “what if’s” that it can sometimes be difficult to have a standard way of doing things. So to answer the question, I would love to be able to reach out to more CEO’s and give my time and see where I can assist and have a CEO sounding board where you can throw stuff and see if it sticks.

 What did you want to be when you were a kid?
As you know I went to medical school. So pretty much from college on that’s what I wanted to do, but life does take some interesting turns. I found out by going to medical school it truly was not my calling. It’s a long story on how I eventually landed in real estate but, for now, it is where I belong.

Why do you believe having mentors is so important?
Sometimes I think the world puts people in front of you for a reason. There are some really good people out there and these are the folks you need to cling to. When starting a business there are people who have run your race and finished the course and are willing to share their experience with you. Whether they take on the role of “mentor” or simply “friend” it is these opportunities that make you and your business better. No one business person has all the answers, it is humanly impossible.

What gets you fired up/energized?
It has become a trend that most people in our industry will do the least amount of work possible, put in the least amount of time and try to have the biggest rewards. Our team has become know in Orange County as the cleanup kids (and we are not kids anymore). But basically, when a listing does not sell due to over promises and under delivery, we get the call. This is not a business where your brothers, daughters, next-door neighbors dog sitter who just got licensed should be navigating the sale of someone’s most valuable asset should come into place to save x%. So coming into a listing that has not sold, charging the same amount and delighting our clients is what gets me the most fired up. We recently took a listing that had been listed 5x by 5 of the top brokers in Orange County and we sold it for full price. We truly care and every single listing matters.

Original Post via https://alyssahellman.com/blog/10-questions-with-raj-qsar

Top 100 Real Estate Slogans In 2018

We were recently recognized as #14 of Property Spark’s top 100 Real Estate Slogans in 2018!

Top 100 Real Estate Slogans In 2018

These remarkably talented real estate agents and brokerages have summed up their real estate value in a few words. Here are the best real estate slogans for 2018.

A good real estate slogan is important for professional or personal branding and creates an emotional connection with potential clients. It can help you stand out in a crowd and set you apart from everyone else. We have gathered the best real estate slogans from the top professionals in the industry. Below, we present to you the Top 100 Real Estate Slogans In 2018!

Via https://propertyspark.com/top-100-real-estate-slogans/

 

Top 100 Real Estate Slogans In 2018

#100: Illustrated Properties

“Our Roots Run Deep”


#99: Hawai’i Life Real Estate Brokers

“Hawai’i Real Estate Lives Here.”


#98: Team Koki

“Koki is the Key, Your Key to Real Estate”


#97: Jennifer Saavedra

“List. Rent. Invest…with us!”


#96: The Jamie Hering Team

“Just Ask Jamie”


#95: Andrew Scherl

“HaveYouSeenAndrew”


#94: Luna Ge

“If you talk about it, it’s a dream. If you envision it, it’s possible, but if you schedule it, it’s real.”


#93: Darren Wilford

“Your Real Estate Wealth Strategist. When your wealth matters, your strategy counts!”


#92: Wendi Cornell

“Ready to Sell? Call Team Cornell!”


#91: Anita Sharma Turner

“#findyourwayhome”


#90: Jeanne Johnston-Sanders

“Solution Minded, Positive Results!”


#89: Katrina Lewis

“Raise your standards, Exceptional service, Unprecedented Luxury Living, Closing Deals in Heels..Katrina Lewis”


#88: Bernadette Metts

“We are Red Hot and Cutting Edge!!”


#87: Ben Caballero

“Realtor Marketing for Homebuilders Made Easy”


#86: Brett Jennings

“Go BIG or go homeless”


#85: Gilbert Gallegos

“Dream. Search. Live”


#84: Chen Liang

“Home is a place where you can be you.”


#83: Vincent & Lisa Archibeque

“The Archibeque Group – where clients are like family – come join our family.”


#82: Colin Whitenack

“Live where you love”


#81: Dolly Rivero

“Professionalism and trust, Hire Elite KY Homes to bring you results”


#80: Emily Kozloski Foebar

“Real Estate with an Equestrian Perspective…”


#79: Chris Duke

“Turning transactions into relationships”


#78: Jeff Scislow

“The Name You Know”


#77: Nathan Galloway

“More than a Realtor”


#76: The Stanco-Misiti Team

“The Next Generation of Real Estate”


#75: The Noble Black

“Extraordinary Reach. Extraordinary Results”


#74: Mike Murphy

“Delivering the Very Best in All Facets of Real Estate, Because you Deserve No Less”


#73: Melanie Piche

“No BS. No fridge magnets. No broken promises.”


#72: Brenda Barajas

“Results that will move you.”


#71: Eric Rollo

“Authentic Local Experience. Authentic Global Results.”


#70: Lauri Lansdale

“Have a Smooth Sale with Lauri Lansdale”


#69: Carrie McCormick

“Live where you are Inspired”


#68: Chelsea Holden

“Your Laid-Back Realtor”


#67: Melissa Vasic & Tawnya McVicker

“Integrity, service, commitment. Your trust is the heart of our business”


#66: Mike Nichols

“Downtown, In Town, Around Town.”


#65: Heidi Harris

“We do the hustle so you don’t have the hassle”


#64: Chase Olsen

“Better Service | Better Marketing | Better Results”


#63: Harry Page

“Team Aggressive specializes in helping families”


#62: Vikram Deol

“Speed to lead. The winner in this game gets to all their leads before the competition.”


#61: Michael Hickman

“Lifestyle is Where it Begins”


#60: Carol Staab

“Pick the broker who will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear!”


#59: Maxim Shtraus

“Selling A Lifestyle, Not Just Real Estate”


#58: Fernando Branco

“Working by referral. Let me help you find a home too!!”


#57: The Meldrum Knybel Real Estate Group

“The Meldrum Knybel Real Estate Group, We Sell Homes!”


#56: Olga Ribardo

“Service as unique as the properties I sell”


#55: Podley Properties

“Your Next Chapter Starts Here”


#54: Zak Bushey

“Is Yours Next?”


 

#53: Judi A. Desiderio

“The Power of Deep Roots”


#52: Carrie Nenonen

“Selling St. Louis since 2001!”


#51: Katia Samson

“We Sell The Sud-Ouest✨”


#50: Roosevelt Mompremier

“We’ve got you covered!”


#49: Kristine Cuddy

“Keeping the Real in Real Estate”


#48: Shannon Milligan

“We Take Care of Everything”


#47: Wes Stoyanov

“Our Expertise Your Lifestyle”


#46: Real

“Your Success is Real’s Mission”


#45: Jordanna Moskal

“Let’s Make It Happen!”


#44: Gina Tufano

“Unlock the possibilities”


#43: Jared Anthony

“Serving Real Estate Realness”


#42: Gabe Mendez

“I’m That Realtor They Told You To Ask For”


#41: Harrison Beacher

“Negotiation in real estate transaction is all about leverage, Understand who has it and who knows they have it.”


#40: Nur Koseoglu

“Don’t trust your online home value estimates, your home is worth more! Find out how”


#39: Joshua Baris

“Bar is Raised for Real Estate!®”


#38: James Silver

“We never stop work for you!”


#37: Faith Hope Consolo

“You Need Faith”


#36: Rich Jackson

“Real Estate Rich, helping people establish a foundation to wealth through real estate”


#35: Mike McCann

“Mike McCann ‘The Real Estate Man’”


#34: Cristina Grossu

“It Only Takes ONE”


#33: Mike Bottaro

“Before You Schedule to Show, Call Bo”


#32: Gea Elika

“The better way to buy real estate”


#31: Cecilia Sherrard

“Loving What I Do Since 2002! Thinking Of Buying Or Selling A Home? Think: YouShouldOwn!”


#30: Greef Properties Christie’s

“Where it Counts”


#29: Chris & Stephanie Somers

“Real Dreams – Real People – Real Estate”


#28: Quinn Lawrence

“Where you live is my business.”


#27: Dolly Lenz

“Client Focused. Results Driven.™”


#26: Kate Bradway Rahn

“#UniqueDenverProperties”


#25: Dusty Baker

“Santa Barbara’s Premier Real Estate Professional”


#24: Leigh Brown

“#MoreThanHouses”


#23: Pacific Union

“Local Real Estate / Marketed Internationally”


#22: Exit Realty

“A Smart Move!”


#21: Stribling & Associates

“The Right Broker Makes all the Difference”


#20: ERA Real Estate

“Always There for You”


#19: New Story

“A home changes everything”


#18: Halton Pardee + Partners

“We Are Life Changers”


#17: eXp Realty

“The Agent Owned Cloud Brokerage”


#16: Austin Frangoules

“The Realtor who goes above and beyond for all”


#15: Jeffrey S. Detwiler

“Defined by Service & Expertise”


#14: Raj Qsar

“Our Passion is People What’s Yours?”


#13: Saunders & Associates

“A Higher Form of Realty”


#12: Rodeo Realty

“Local Expertise, Global Presence”


#11: Bond Real Estate

“Move/Forward”


#10: The Altman Brothers

“The Difference”


#9: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

“Good to Know”


#8: Sothebey’s International Realty

“Luxury Real Estate: Redefined”


#7: Compass

“Let us Guide You Home”


#6: Douglas Elliman

“Ask Elliman”


#5: Corcoran Group

“Live Who You Are”


#4: RE/MAX

“Above the Crowd”


#3: Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate

“Expect Better”


#2: Coldwell Banker

“Where Dreams Come Home”


#1: Century21

“Real Estate for Your World”

Now Hiring Buyers Agent

💥 My team is excited to announce we are expanding. We are looking for a motivated 🏡 Realtor who wants to join my personal real estate team. Needs to have a RE License, work weekdays/nights & weekends, love technology, have a very flexible schedule and is super outgoing. We will train you on everything. If you know anyone who is looking to start a career in real estate or if they are in real estate but not doing what they feel like they can do please have them apply here 👉 www.JoinTheBoutique.com and to learn more about our company please visit 👉 www.TheBoutiqueRE.com ☺️

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2017 REAL Trends Finalist for Best Overall Website
2017 Inman News Innovator Award for Most Innovative Brokerage
2017 Inman News Real Estate Influencer Of The Year
2016 Top 100 Real Estate Influencers on Social Media
2016 Inman News Innovator Award for Most Innovative Brokerage
2016 SP 200 The Most Powerful People In Residential Real Estate
2015 Inman News Innovator Award for Most Innovative Technology
2015 Top 33 People Changing The Real Estate Industry
2014 Best Real Estate Video of The Year
2014 Inman News Innovator Award for Most Innovative Real Estate Agent
2014 Next Generation Real Estate Brokerage
2014 Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders in The USA
2013 Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders in The USA
2013 Top 20 Real Estate Videos in The USA

Real estate agents make movies to sell mansions as traditional home tours become obsolete

via Financial Express

In a world of extreme competition, traditional home tours are becoming obsolete. Real estate agents are now using movies to sell mansions.

Home-tour

It’s not easy to sell houses. In a  market spoilt for choice, selling mansions becomes even more tougher. So real estate agents are finding new ways to lure customers and one of them happens to be making movies to sell mansions. A woman in a red dress twirls with a mysterious man through light-filled hallways. There is light music that surges in a romantically-lit courtyard, which overlooks a twinkling city. A mischievous coda plays, and then the credits roll. You could mistake it for a scene from a romantic blockbuster. Not really, as this eight-minute mini movie is a real estate advertisement—uploaded on Vimeo—for an $8.5-million, 1.5-acre compound in Encino, Los Angeles. The days of good old brochures with high-resolution pictures are over. So is successfully marketing a mansion using shots from an iPhone or even expensive videos shot by drone. In the days of ever-evolving technology and infrastructure, real estate agents need to do a little more hard work to pitch the perfect sale bid.

So luxury listings are now experimenting with full-on property movies—films featuring actors, story arcs, scores and tinseltown-caliber cinematography. The money is spent on movies to be recovered through million-dollar sales. In another movie for a mansion, gorgeous women dressed in bikinis, sipping fine wine, are sitting by the poolside. The short movie made by realtors to sell a $32-million Hollywood Hills mansion cost its makers a whopping $40,000. Real estate agents Rayni Williams and Branden Williams were one of the first ones who came up with such an over-the-top marketing idea to sell a mansion in 2015.

The storyline of the movie pays attention to showcase all the finer details of the mansion. The man of the house is out of town and his wife texts her friends to come over and party. So the director of photography used five different cameras and three drones to capture the home’s splendour. The eight-bedroom estate boasts breathtaking views, a theatre and a gym. The husband and wife realtor team also made a $100,000-mini movie to sell a $70-million property the same year.

People are short of time and so the classic, old-school walking tour of the house is becoming more and more obsolete. So here come movies for a generation that is short on attention, but is addicted to smartphones. A movie makes people feel attached to a story, and they want to stick around and see what’s happening. Making a movie doesn’t come cheap though. Typically, the filmmaking cost is covered by either the listing agents, sellers or both. Movie-style real estate videos can cost anywhere from $5,000 to upwards of $30,000. Real estate agent Ben Bacal, an early innovator of high-gloss property films, worked with married clients Ori and Nafisa Ayonmike to craft a $20,000-film to market their home in Hollywood.

The Ayonmikes star in a fictional narrative that begins with Ori skulking through the sleek, contemporary rooms of his 5,500-square-foot, five-bedroom estate. In the next 11 minutes, Ori tells Nafisa that he wants a divorce. A passionate fight ensues, Ori gets kicked out and Nafisa chucks her massive diamond ring into the pool. Amid all the high drama, the camera-person captures the home’s 20-foot ceilings, high-tech security system, marble fireplaces and the tony Hollywood Hills neighbourhood.

The video of the property, listed at $3.65 million, has generated nearly 61,000 views since being posted on YouTube last year. As movies are doled out so are online video platforms, which have become a key component in property sales. Some 36% of home buyers used YouTube, Vimeo or another video-hosting website in their search last year, despite only 8% of real estate agents using films in their marketing strategies, as per the National Association of Realtors in the USA.

Bacal posted another movie trailer-listing video last year for a Bel-Air property, in which two children develop Ferris Bueller fevers and spend the day playing hooky. The pair splash in their infinity pool, shoot golf balls over the Los Angeles skyline from their lawn, try on outfits in their generous closets and have a puppy delivered by drone. The 14,230-square-foot spread sold in December for $39 million.

Not all of the properties are extravagant or overwrought. One narrative video, for a four-bedroom home in Brea that sold in October, focused on family. The movie trailer for the 3,008-square-foot property, posted on YouTube three months earlier by the Boutique Real Estate Group, features little girls at a sleepover, romping through various bedrooms and having a late-night living room dance party to Taylor Swift songs. Some properties take naturally to the camera.

Consider the 20,500-square-foot Opus spec estate in Beverly Hills. The $100-million listing—which includes seven bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, two swimming pools, art by Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol, and a champagne vault with 170 bottles of Cristal—was featured last spring in a video inspired by David Lynch and Eyes Wide Shut. Producer Alexander Ali of the Society Group worked with Hilton & Hyland selling agent Drew Fenton and developer Nile Niami—who co-produced Steven Seagal’s 1998 film The Patriot—on the Opus film. Opus has now received inquiries from China, Russia, Brazil and India.

5 Insanely Creative Ways People Have Used to Sell Houses

via Mashable

The Boutique Real Estate Group has been Highlight by Mashable in the article 5 Insanely Creative Ways People Have Used to Sell Houses.

In the future, selling houses might be less about realtors and more about video creators. While traditional open houses and “for sale” signs aren’t going away anytime soon, in years to come it could be a viral video that gets a buyer to sign on the dotted line.

Straightforward video tours have been around for some years, but we’ve gone beyond that and taken a look at five fabulously creative ways people have used video to sell property around the world, from music videos to high-tech drones via 3D fly-throughs.

 

Plain video house tours are all well and good, but what if instead of a dry, room-by-room tour around a property, you used the video to tell a story and sell a lifestyle?

The Boutique Real Estate Group is very good at this, producing a series of glossy ads for houses that engage you with a simple plot device, making them much more interesting than the average tour.

In this example, seeing the kids run through the beautiful rooms as they find a suitable cubbyhole for a game of hide-and-seek is just a genius way to show the home’s family-friendly, attractive living spaces.

12 Unique Housewarming Gifts for the Holiday Season

It’s the holiday season and we can’t wait to taste that juicy Thanksgiving turkey roasting in the oven! Many families start their holiday festivities soon after Halloween, with beautiful lighting up and down the streets of our community, and the smell of fresh fir and cinnamon sticks filling our homes. We love this time of year, can’t you tell?

Whether you will be attending a holiday party hosted by your company, family member, or some close friends, here is a list of noteworthy housewarming gifts that will grace any home!

Techies 

Like themiPhone 6 dock – Yet another way to organize their gadgets! Except this time, this little dock will be dedicated to their everyday necessities; iPhone, watch, wallet, and other accessories.!

Love themPhotojojo Lens Series – Every techie will have either an iPhone or an Android… or both! Give your host the chance to gear up that already awesome camera and let their inner photographer shine!

In love with themJawbone Big Jambox – The best Bluetooth wireless speaker, a staple on every techie’s (or non-techie’s!) desk. With precision-tuned drivers, dual passive bass radiators, and multi-band compressors working in concert, your eyes won’t believe your ears.

Athletes 

Like themMedley in the Meadow Speaker Blanket – Warm, easy to pack, and plays music! Need we say more?

Love themNature Box Subscription – What’s better than an ordinary gift? A gift that keeps coming… every month! Athletes are always looking for healthy snacks to munch on in between meals. Nature Box sends its subscribers 5 full-sized packages of great tasting nutritionist-approved snacks. Choose from a month-to-month, 3 months, 6 months, or 12-month subscription.

In love with themThe Dash Wireless Earphones – Athletes, get ready to say goodbye to your phone. These perfect wireless earphones are integrated with 4GB storage allowing its owner to carry up to 1000 songs in his/her ears. The Dash is also a microphone, Bluetooth headset, fitness tracker, heart rate monitor, and best of all, waterproof. Say goodbye to the days of tangle interfering headphones and music players, and hello to a truly hands-free workout!

Culinary Enthusiast 

Like themRock Glass – Someone who nearly lives in the kitchen may already have all tools they need for all of their secret recipes. Why not grab two sets of these to give their bar section a little boost? 

Love themCuisine R-Evolution Molecular Gastronomy Kit – For experienced culinary lovers, watch the video, enough said.

In love with themNespresso Pixi Aluminium – approved by the pickiest of espresso palates (me included)! Espresso from this machine never tastes watered down, with plenty of flavors to choose from. Will be treasured by any culinary household, guaranteed.

World Traveler 

Like themCelestial Coaster Set – World travelers often times bring home carefully selected pieces from the different countries and cultures they have visited. Once home how nice would it be to kick back, relax, and enjoy drinks with these beautiful coasters?

Love themSelk’bag Marvel Collection Wearable Sleeping Bag – Now not every world travel may be a backpacker, but how awesome are these? When the comfort of a onesie meets your favorite defenders of humanity from arguably the best comic book university- we’re almost sure you’ll never set eyes on another sleeping bag again!

In love with them: GoPro HERO 4 – You’ll have to really love them to get this for your host because it will cost you a pretty penny. A GoPro camera has all the capabilities of a hi-res camera plus so much more… A must for any world traveler!

Obviously, these gifts aren’t only for the Techies, Athletes, Culinary Enthusiasts, and World Travelers! If you have a special host to surprise, it might be a great idea to split the pricier gifts among a group who may also be going to the event. Which one of these gifts would you love to receive?

Agave Home Sparks Homebuyer Interest at Wrap It Up Holiday Sales Event

via William Lyon Homes

IRVINE, CA–(Marketwired – Nov 6, 2014) – The William Lyon Homes Wrap It Up Holiday Sales Event is sparking homebuyer interest with special deals on select homes, including one irresistible offering at the beautiful attached-home neighborhood of Agave in the Village of Portola Springs®. Priced at just $642,000, Residence 3, Unit 95 spans 1,715 square feet with three-bedrooms, three-baths, evolve spaces and a direct-access two-car side-by-side garage. The bright and voluminous interior is adorned with refinements including an upgraded flooring throughout, window coverings, upgraded paint and a convenient location near the community park. Interested buyers are urged to call 949.333.3847 today or visit the sales gallery for more information. Immediate details are available at www.LyonAgave.com. With sales teams motivated to get buyers into their ideal new home before year’s end, there’s no better time to take advantage of this event’s valuable, limited-time opportunities. Visit www.LyonHolidaySoCal.com to view all participating neighborhoods’ Featured Homes.

“Buyers are drawn to Agave because it’s such a wonderfully unique neighborhood,” said Lesley Pennington, Vice President of Sales for William Lyon Homes. “The setting is naturally inviting and the townhome designs are unlike any other in the Irvine area. This Featured Home in particular is an absolute must-see — and one that won’t be available much longer. If you’re interested, contact us soon.”

With prices starting from the low $500,000s, Agave is now selling its final townhomes. Four innovative floorplans range from approximately 1,355 to 1,810 square feet, with well-designed interiors presenting 2 to 3 bedrooms, 2 to 3 baths, spacious living areas, flexible spaces, eco-friendly features and 2-car side-by-side or 2-car split attached garages.

The neighborhood’s ideal location near Portola Parkway and CA-133 offers convenience and serenity in a naturally scenic village that invites easy access to resort-style recreation including parks, pools and tennis courts, as well as scenic trails for walking and hiking. Agave is also located within the top-rated Irvine Unified School District.

The Village of Portola Springs® within the Villages of Irvine® offers residents the luxury of exceptional surroundings, with sweeping views of Loma Ridge and the vast expanses of protected open space. Close to a variety of amenities designed to make the most of the pristine natural environment, Portola Springs features beautiful homes in an array of inspired architectural styles that are just minutes from the region’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment.

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Created by Irvine Company Community Development, the Village of Portola Springs is located in the City of Irvine. Money Magazine recently ranked The City of Irvine as “the top small California city to live in for 2014.” The highly-acclaimed master-planned community is renowned for allowing residents to enjoy a unique lifestyle unmatched in the region — some of the best schools in the state; America’s safest city for nine straight years; abundant open space, parks and recreational opportunities and world-class dining, entertainment and employment. For more Information about the Villages of Irvine, visit www.VillagesofIrvine.com.

It matters who your builder is, and William Lyon Homes means it when they say that they put themselves into their homes. They build each and every home as if it were their own and have earned a solid track record for constructing quality homes backed by a solid customer service program since 1954. Learn more by visiting www.lyonhomes.com for updated information on William Lyon Homes’ new neighborhoods.

To visit Agave from the 405 Freeway or I-5, exit Sand Canyon Avenue and proceed north. Turn right onto Portola Parkway, left on Portola Springs and follow the signs to the Agave Sales Gallery and Models, which are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 949.333.3847.

Prices, plans and product information subject to change. Special Deals only apply to select homes that are subject to close escrow before 12/31/14. All homes subject to prior sale. Only one home available with the features listed on www.LyonHolidaySoCal.com. Homes that do not already have flooring are subject to added price if upgrade is selected by buyer. Prices subject to change with the addition of more features/upgrades. Features and availability of homes subject to change without notice. Prices effective as of 10/15/2014. Photos shown are model homes and not actual featured homes. See sales counselor for details. CalBRE License #00982816. 10/2014