Author: Paul Nusca
Avocado Toast – Episode 1 – The importance of financial literacy and planning.
May 18,2020 | Avocado Toast
Behind the Listing with California Properties
May 16,2020 | Blog
Provenance and pedigree meet comfort and contemporary conveniences on this breathtaking and very private 4.5-acre grand Montecito estate, currently being showcased in the Wall Street Journal “Behind the Listing” section. The Mediterranean home, lovely guesthouse and vintage pool house rest on the grounds of historic El Mirador. There is a special, rarefied quality here, yet the ambiance evokes a sort of joie de vivre. Impeccably landscaped gardens, expansive manicured lawns and hedges, a pond, pergolas, terraces, and a large pool provide space and amenities for extensive entertaining and celebrations.
The Main Residence
The primary residence, though substantial, offers an air of intimacy, warmth, and calm abiding, thanks to liberal use of warm woods in floors, masterfully crafted cabinetry and paneling. Those accoutrements are complemented by vast open-beam and truss, barrel- and groin-vaulted ceilings and an abundance of French doors and windows. The result is a singular home imbued with a profusion of spaciousness and light.
Entry Level
Rooms are large yet somehow intimate. The formal living room, for example, at over 1,000 square feet, feels friendly and comfortable thanks to its substantial fireplace, large cove windows, and its French doors opening to one of several terraces, and beyond to impeccably maintained grounds. The family room, library, office, loggia and grand foyer grace the home’s entrance level as well. The formal dining room — comfortably seating a dozen or more in style — as well as the large chef’s kitchen and adjacent informal dining area, create a culinary center perfect for entertaining friends or large and extended family.
Upper Level
The home’s four bedrooms all host baths en suite. The nearly 600 square-foot master suite could uphold the title “regal” with its impressive fireplace, arched French doors to its private balcony, pair of large walk-in closets, and two luxurious bathrooms. A second primary bedroom suite also has a fireplace, as well as a pair of intimate balconies.
The Guest House and Adobe
Even the most discerning guests at this grand Montecito estate will feel at home in the substantial 3-bedroom, 2-bath guest house. Its upper level hosts a large living room, bedroom and bath, while the entry level features a den, kitchen and dining area, two bedrooms and an additional bath.
The Adobe, a structure well-preserved from the original El Mirador estate, has been expertly restored to maintain the ambiance of yesteryear while incorporating today’s comforts and amenities. It provides 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a kitchen, and a wonderful over 40-foot-long living room. On one side it opens to an expansive vine-covered veranda, running the entire length of the adobe and overlooking the lighted tennis court. On the other side, the living room opens to the estate’s glistening swimming pool.
The Grounds
It is to be expected of any grand Montecito estate of this stature that its grounds would be as magnificent as its structures. Palmyra is no exception. Elegant entry gates open to a serpentine driveway lined with tall hedges and mature trees. There are rolling lawns, impeccably-trimmed privets, tropical and native flora, citrus trees, flower gardens, a lagoon, pergolas and fountains.
Adjacent to acclaimed Lotusland, this magical Montecito estate represents the epitome of class, prestige, and the comfortable luxury and sophistication for which Montecito is world-renowned.
Listing Gallery
More Global Content
Behind the Listing with Kay & Co London
May 16,2020 | Blog
Introducing Regent’s Crescent, a London real estate redevelopment that’s an amalgamation of the city’s rich history and modern conveniences officially launched sales earlier this week. Designed in the 1800s by a Famed Architect John Nash and known as Regent’s Crescent, the development comprises an entire terrace row on Park Crescent, right on the edge of the capital’s leafy Regent’s Park.
The terrace is Grade I-listed—the rarest historic architectural designation in England—and was designed by John Nash in 1820. Following the completion of its redevelopment next year by CIT Group, it will be home to 67 new apartments and nine villas, according to a news release.
Sales have quietly been taking place off market for around a year with 25% of inventory sold, according to a spokeswoman for CIT. The remaining homes are now fully on the market.
Despite the addition of brand new residences, the development remains listed due to its retention of the original listed Nash-designed facade. The construction work has also repaired wartime bomb damage to restore “the truest version” of Nash’s work, the release said.
The famed British architect of the Regency and Georgian eras is responsible for some of the U.K.’s grandest designs, such as Buckingham Palace, Marble Arch and Brighton’s Royal Pavilion.
In Nash style, the building will have Regency-inspired features such as fanlights, chimney stacks and an 18th century ice well that was discovered on site and has been preserved.
In the residences, which will be priced from £2.9 million (US$3.7 million), materials such as herringbone timber flooring, marble and plaster mouldings feature throughout.
“Regent’s Crescent is a remarkable scheme that we are proud to be working on,” Its unique combination of enchanting and historical importance, outstanding original design, unsurpassed new build quality and remarkable location make it a very rare and special offering for the capital.”
Residents will also have access to amenities including a spa, a swimming pool, a private cinema, underground parking, 24-hour concierge and security and access to private residents’ gardens.
Listing Gallery
More Global Content
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Awards Franchise in the Province of Québec via Financial Post
May 8,2020 | Blog
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, one of the largest, global, real estate brokerage franchise networks, with more than 50,000 agents and nearly 1,500 offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and the Middle East today announced the addition of the independently owned and operated Les Entreprises Sacha Brosseau Inc. to the network. The franchise will operate as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Québec.
This new firm is led by Sacha Brosseau, the former Chief Brokerage Officer for Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. Sacha was inspired to go into real estate by his father. He started in the real estate industry in 2005 working in partnership with his mother, a 30 plus year real estate veteran. Fourteen years later, as he imagined what step to take next and hearing how highly his colleagues spoke of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, his father again provided inspiration. His father who has an “affinity for investment” had been closely following Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. and hearing great things about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.
Brosseau reached out to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices to see if the network would be a fit for his vision and met soon after with Michael Jalbert, Executive Vice President of Global Business Development for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. As they toured the city of Montreal and discussed plans and goals, they found themselves aligned in vision and core values. Brosseau described the application process as thorough, “we each conducted our own due diligence.”
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices saw the value that Brosseau had already created in the province of Québec, while Brosseau knew his aspirations would be strongly complemented by such a trusted brand. As a result of their meeting of the minds, Brosseau is set to launch Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Québec on June 1st 2020 — an office in Montreal with a vision for the network across the province.
In addition to the new physical presence, Sacha is building a team from his vision. “I want to be the firm that brokers aspire to join,” said Brosseau, “I won’t bring on brokers who are starting their careers, and I also won’t hire brokers who don’t play well with others. I am assembling a team of well-respected realtors who know the value of collaboration and will provide the highest level of professionalism and ethical standards to all of their clients”.
Brosseau’s vision benefits from the strength of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network. He recognizes that the best people want to work for the best network.
“You can always have a great brand,” Brosseau added. “You can always have a great broker. But success in residential real estate is when you’re able to combine the two. The greatest brand cannot flourish to what its possibilities are without the best brokers being part of it. At the same time, the greatest brokers can’t flourish unless they are part of a great brand which gives them the tools they need to reach the next level in their careers.”
The brand strength goes beyond the bottom line for Brosseau. Throughout his negotiations with the network, he could see that they cared about his philosophy and success. “I do not feel like I’m part of a large corporate structure that is concerned solely with the numbers. Whatever is good for them, they want to make sure it is good for me as well.”
The addition of the Montreal location furthers Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ global reach, who over the past three years has added franchisees in London (Kay & Co.); Dubai (Gulf Properties); Madrid and Barcelona (LARVIA); Lisbon (Portugal Property); Milan (MAGGI Properties); and Berlin and Frankfurt (Rubina Real Estate). Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Québec joins Toronto Living Realty to become the second network member in Canada.
When asked about Québec’s real estate future, Brosseau gave a positive but realistic assessment, “I feel very strongly about Québec. The Province of Québec has always been stable. The reality is that we always maintain a good stability. In this province, real estate is the best investment you can make for your future.”
“We are excited to work with Sacha Brosseau to bring his vision of a brokerage to the province of Québec,” said Chris Stuart, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “Sacha’s singular vision along with the reputation of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices creates a major player in the real estate market in Québec. We cannot wait to see where Sacha takes his brokerage.”
The company also gains access to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ ‘FOREVER Cloud’ technology suite powered by Salesforce including lead generation, marketing support, social media content, video production/distribution support and more. In addition, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices provides global listing syndication, professional training and the exclusive Luxury Collection marketing program for premier listings.
About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is one of the world’s fastest-growing residential real estate brokerage franchise networks, with more than 50,000 real estate professionals, nearly 1,500 offices throughout the U.S., Europe and the Middle East, and more than $119 billion in real estate sales volume. The network, among the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, brings to the real estate market a definitive mark of trust, integrity, stability and longevity. Visit www.berkshirehathawayhs.com.
Brendan Smith
Jun 27,2020 | Realtors
Brendan Smith
Sales Representative
My unique value.
Brendan possesses a creative entrepreneurial spirit that guided him into the real estate industry. His notable success stems from his passion for Toronto communities and has allowed him to build up a wealth of knowledge and trust with his clients. Communicating clearly and effectively while keeping their best interests at heart is his #1 priority.
“Buying or selling a home will be one of the largest transactions you are a part of and should be managed by someone you trust. I work around the clock to keep you informed while understanding the necessary patience that is required in the search for your new home. Every relationship is unique and I never get tired of the feeling when you find your dream home or sell your home to start the next chapter. Every investment should be as rewarding as possible. This is why I always work hard to get you the best price, on both ends of a sale.”
Brendan currently lives in the Entertainment District downtown after residing in High Park for 3 years and the Princess Anne Manor for 18 years. Contact Brendan directly to start your real estate journey!
Phone
416-294-1877
website
Contact Brendan
If you would like to learn more about working with me to buy or sell, complete the form below.
Building Wealth in Real Estate Seminar June 16th
May 15,2020 | Blog
