Orlando Magic from MRI Overseas Property and MacAnthony Realty International
Not only has Orlando got Disney's Magic Kingdom, we also have the Orlando Magic basketball team who have fought their way to the NBA Finals. The next 10 days brings an exciting final between the legendary Los Angeles Lakers (supported by the likes of Jack Nicholson and Leonardo Di Caprio) and our own Orlando Magic team. We are all excited at the prospect of The Magic taking their place as champions of the NBA.
Everything happens in Orlando - 58 million people visited Florida last year and the opportunities for property buyers are quite simply, unbelievable!
MRI Overseas Property are offering some magical deals at the moment, on single family homes, townhouses and condos, with prices starting at an amazingly low $130,000. In some cases prices in the area have dropped by 50%. So, NOW is the time to take advantage of all the opportunities available by contacting our helpful team.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Orlando still most popular US destination!
The American Society of Travel Agents once again ranked Orlando the nation’s most popular summer destination.
The association’s poll of its members, called 2009 Hot Spots for Summer, found 17.2 percent said Orlando is the summer’s top travel destination. Las Vegas followed with 16 percent. The two cities have been the top destinations for seven years running.
Other cities in the top 10 were San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Honolulu, San Diego, Washington, D.C., Chicago and New York.
The survey also looked at international destinations and found Western Europe remains the most popular. London was the top-ranked destination with 9.9 percent of the votes, followed by Rome with 9 percent.
The association’s poll of its members, called 2009 Hot Spots for Summer, found 17.2 percent said Orlando is the summer’s top travel destination. Las Vegas followed with 16 percent. The two cities have been the top destinations for seven years running.
Other cities in the top 10 were San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Honolulu, San Diego, Washington, D.C., Chicago and New York.
The survey also looked at international destinations and found Western Europe remains the most popular. London was the top-ranked destination with 9.9 percent of the votes, followed by Rome with 9 percent.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Orlando home sales rose in February
From the Orlando Business Journaal:
Orlando area home sales grew 28 percent in February, but values fell 34.8 percent, according to the Orlando Regional Realtor Association.
Association members sold 1,219 existing homes last month, which compares to 951 sold in the same month a year prior. Orlando Realtors also reported a total of 4,348 homes under contract — considered an indicator of future sales activity — in February, nearly double the 2,175 pending sales in February 2008.
But the median price of Orlando homes sold in February fell 34.8 percent, from $223,150 last year to $145,500 this year. However, continued falling median prices improved the Orlando area’s affordability index to a record high of 169.17 percent. An affordability index of more than 100 means buyers earning the state-reported median income of $52,193 can qualify for a median-priced home.
Sales of existing homes in the Orlando metropolitan statistical area — Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties — last month jumped 29 percent, from 1,176 in 2008 to 1,519 this year.
Local new-home builders reported 122 new-home sales for the month of February, with a median price of $234,950.
A total of 154 single-family homes, the most in that category, sold in February 2009 in the $200,000-$250,000 price range.
Condos resales by association members totaled 195 in February, a 71 percent jump from the 114 sold in February 2008. The highest number of condos in a single price category, 93, sold for up to $50,000, while two condos sold for more than $1 million in February.
Duplex, townhome and villa resales totaled 102 last month, up 29 percent from February 2008’s 79.
A total of 22,168 homes were for sale through the Multiple Listing Service in February, while 455 more homes left the market than entered the market. That reflects an 18 percent supply of homes at the current sales pace.
All homes spent an average of 102 days on the market before selling in February 2009, and the average home sold for 93 percent of its listing price, up slightly from January 2009’s 92.6 percent and February 2008’s 92.9 percent.
Orlando area home sales grew 28 percent in February, but values fell 34.8 percent, according to the Orlando Regional Realtor Association.
Association members sold 1,219 existing homes last month, which compares to 951 sold in the same month a year prior. Orlando Realtors also reported a total of 4,348 homes under contract — considered an indicator of future sales activity — in February, nearly double the 2,175 pending sales in February 2008.
But the median price of Orlando homes sold in February fell 34.8 percent, from $223,150 last year to $145,500 this year. However, continued falling median prices improved the Orlando area’s affordability index to a record high of 169.17 percent. An affordability index of more than 100 means buyers earning the state-reported median income of $52,193 can qualify for a median-priced home.
Sales of existing homes in the Orlando metropolitan statistical area — Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties — last month jumped 29 percent, from 1,176 in 2008 to 1,519 this year.
Local new-home builders reported 122 new-home sales for the month of February, with a median price of $234,950.
A total of 154 single-family homes, the most in that category, sold in February 2009 in the $200,000-$250,000 price range.
Condos resales by association members totaled 195 in February, a 71 percent jump from the 114 sold in February 2008. The highest number of condos in a single price category, 93, sold for up to $50,000, while two condos sold for more than $1 million in February.
Duplex, townhome and villa resales totaled 102 last month, up 29 percent from February 2008’s 79.
A total of 22,168 homes were for sale through the Multiple Listing Service in February, while 455 more homes left the market than entered the market. That reflects an 18 percent supply of homes at the current sales pace.
All homes spent an average of 102 days on the market before selling in February 2009, and the average home sold for 93 percent of its listing price, up slightly from January 2009’s 92.6 percent and February 2008’s 92.9 percent.
Friday, January 23, 2009
MRI Overseas Property says: SuperBowl 2009 and 2010 and a Super time to buy property in Florida with MRI Overseas Property!
With only 10 days to go until this year's Super Bowl XLIII, excitement is reaching fever pitch for both Steelers and Cardinals fans alike. Amongst those they'll be cheering for in this game are stars, Kurt Warner and Ben Roethlisberger. And to make the day truly memorable, The Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street band will be "kicking out the jams" at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Which means that, now is the time to make sure that you're here for the next game by taking advantage of the superb offers currently available on thousands and thousands of properties in Florida. MRI Overseas Property can show you some of the finest and most keenly priced property around and now is the perfect time to buy. With interest rates at an historic low and prices having fallen to a level not seen here for years, Florida is now offering the discerning buyer a wonderful opportunity to own their own home or townhouse or villa, close to where the Super Bowl XLIV is being played in 2010, at the Dolphin Stadium, in Miami. This new year 2009 has begun already with the historic inauguration of the new President, the first African-American, Barack Obama: and we're now poised to continue to have America, and especially Florida, move forward with massive confidence and a positive focus and momentum. The recent moves by Congress to free up even more funds for business means that property is a great choice at the moment. And don't forget, Orlando has and always will remain popular with the tens of millions of visitors that come each year! It is really set to start motoring again!
And who knows? Next year you and your family could be vacationing here and going to the football game yourself... or maybe renting your property out to some other lucky people. It's the time to buy and a super place to live! Ask any of the thousands of people who've moved here over the years, whether from America or Europe. And MRI Overseas property has sold to a LOT of these people over these years (you could say they've been bowl-ed over by MRI and the team!), which is why they keep coming back to us for new, exciting buying opportunities.
Don't forget that Florida is also home to many famous names; sports super-stars such as Tiger Woods (here in the exclusive Windermere development in Orlando), NBA basketball players, Shaquille O'Neal and Jamal Mashburn, the golfers Ernie Els and Nick Faldo, movie stars like John Travolta (with a home in Ocala) and David Caruso, star of CSI: Miami, rap artist Sean "P Diddy" Coombs, actor Matt Damon and singers Gloria Estefan, Lenny Kravitz and Beyonce all with property and homes in Miami. And of course, the queen of the talk shows, Oprah Winfrey. Then there's the Versace House, "Casa Casuarina" on the world famous Ocean Drive, which following his death, is now a tourist attraction.
And even if you're not a football fan, remember that Florida has so much more to offer with the traditional favourites, Disney and The Magic Kingdom (this year you get free admission on your birthday!), Universal Studios with its restaurants, rides, bars and the world famous City Walk night spots (and they will soon open the latest attraction; the world exclusive Harry Potter spectacular) and Sea World with Shamu the killer whale, all continuing to attract visitors, young and old, year in year out, to share in the fun, the sun and the gorgeous all-year round climate. Or for those in search of a slower pace, why not take a lazy drive down to the very bottom of the state of Florida, to the beautiful, exotic Keys, the most famous of which, Key West, has been the subject of films and music!
And if you need any more proof that Florida is a great place to buy, look no further than uber-financier and property mogul Donald Trump' decision to open his own, private estate complete with night-club, Mar Largo, in Palm Beach or the prestigious Trump Towers in Miami.
With so many people having made the decision to buy here already, now is the time for you to get in on the excitement, so don't hesitate, contact MRI Overseas Property immediately:
email:info@mrioverseasproperty.com
Tel: +1 407 397 977
Which means that, now is the time to make sure that you're here for the next game by taking advantage of the superb offers currently available on thousands and thousands of properties in Florida. MRI Overseas Property can show you some of the finest and most keenly priced property around and now is the perfect time to buy. With interest rates at an historic low and prices having fallen to a level not seen here for years, Florida is now offering the discerning buyer a wonderful opportunity to own their own home or townhouse or villa, close to where the Super Bowl XLIV is being played in 2010, at the Dolphin Stadium, in Miami. This new year 2009 has begun already with the historic inauguration of the new President, the first African-American, Barack Obama: and we're now poised to continue to have America, and especially Florida, move forward with massive confidence and a positive focus and momentum. The recent moves by Congress to free up even more funds for business means that property is a great choice at the moment. And don't forget, Orlando has and always will remain popular with the tens of millions of visitors that come each year! It is really set to start motoring again!
And who knows? Next year you and your family could be vacationing here and going to the football game yourself... or maybe renting your property out to some other lucky people. It's the time to buy and a super place to live! Ask any of the thousands of people who've moved here over the years, whether from America or Europe. And MRI Overseas property has sold to a LOT of these people over these years (you could say they've been bowl-ed over by MRI and the team!), which is why they keep coming back to us for new, exciting buying opportunities.
Don't forget that Florida is also home to many famous names; sports super-stars such as Tiger Woods (here in the exclusive Windermere development in Orlando), NBA basketball players, Shaquille O'Neal and Jamal Mashburn, the golfers Ernie Els and Nick Faldo, movie stars like John Travolta (with a home in Ocala) and David Caruso, star of CSI: Miami, rap artist Sean "P Diddy" Coombs, actor Matt Damon and singers Gloria Estefan, Lenny Kravitz and Beyonce all with property and homes in Miami. And of course, the queen of the talk shows, Oprah Winfrey. Then there's the Versace House, "Casa Casuarina" on the world famous Ocean Drive, which following his death, is now a tourist attraction.
And even if you're not a football fan, remember that Florida has so much more to offer with the traditional favourites, Disney and The Magic Kingdom (this year you get free admission on your birthday!), Universal Studios with its restaurants, rides, bars and the world famous City Walk night spots (and they will soon open the latest attraction; the world exclusive Harry Potter spectacular) and Sea World with Shamu the killer whale, all continuing to attract visitors, young and old, year in year out, to share in the fun, the sun and the gorgeous all-year round climate. Or for those in search of a slower pace, why not take a lazy drive down to the very bottom of the state of Florida, to the beautiful, exotic Keys, the most famous of which, Key West, has been the subject of films and music!
And if you need any more proof that Florida is a great place to buy, look no further than uber-financier and property mogul Donald Trump' decision to open his own, private estate complete with night-club, Mar Largo, in Palm Beach or the prestigious Trump Towers in Miami.
With so many people having made the decision to buy here already, now is the time for you to get in on the excitement, so don't hesitate, contact MRI Overseas Property immediately:
email:info@mrioverseasproperty.com
Tel: +1 407 397 977
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tourists are being tempted, so come on over!
Freebies offered to Orlando tourists
Orlando Business Journal
The campaign is part of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s 2009 promotional campaign launched last month called Orlando Makes Me Smile.
The Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s newest salvo in the battle to attract tourists in a slumping economy is a half-year offer of discounts at area hotels and attractions.
The package includes 50 free offers and runs through June 30. There are two blackout periods: Easter week and Memorial Day weekend. Offers include free hotel room nights and admission to rides and attractions.
The offer is part of the bureau’s 2009 promotional campaign launched last month called Orlando Makes Me Smile. Information on the program, called Bundles of Free Smiles, is available on the Web at www.bundlesoffreesmiles.com or by calling (888) 675-4386.
Hotel properties participating in the campaign include Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando World Center Marriott, Westgate Resorts and WorldQuest Resort. Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and Southwest Airlines are offering discount vacation packages. Attractions offering discounts include SeaWorld Orlando, Boggy Creek Airboat Rides, Orlando Balloon Rides and Pirate's Dinner Adventure.
Orlando Business Journal
The campaign is part of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s 2009 promotional campaign launched last month called Orlando Makes Me Smile.
The Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s newest salvo in the battle to attract tourists in a slumping economy is a half-year offer of discounts at area hotels and attractions.
The package includes 50 free offers and runs through June 30. There are two blackout periods: Easter week and Memorial Day weekend. Offers include free hotel room nights and admission to rides and attractions.
The offer is part of the bureau’s 2009 promotional campaign launched last month called Orlando Makes Me Smile. Information on the program, called Bundles of Free Smiles, is available on the Web at www.bundlesoffreesmiles.com or by calling (888) 675-4386.
Hotel properties participating in the campaign include Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando World Center Marriott, Westgate Resorts and WorldQuest Resort. Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and Southwest Airlines are offering discount vacation packages. Attractions offering discounts include SeaWorld Orlando, Boggy Creek Airboat Rides, Orlando Balloon Rides and Pirate's Dinner Adventure.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Huge demand for property in the Dominican Republic
MRI Overseas Property sees a huge rise in demand for the Dominican Republic
MRI Overseas Property has been offering fantastic properties to its clients in the Dominican Republic for some years now, but even we were pleasantly surprised at the level of enquiries over the last month.
There was huge demand via our web site, with enquiries for The Dominican outweighing any others and our telephones were ringing off the hooks with calls asking for more information.
Is it the year-round fantastic weather, the thought of the Caribbean sea and beaches or something else?
It may well be the golfing facilities which are some of the finest anywhere in the world.
Read on for some details on what you can expect. And if this taste of the delights of the Dominican Republic has whet your appetites, contact us straight away to talk about viewing properties there!
A favourite golfing destination of former US Presidents Bill Clinton and George H. Bush, the Dominican Republic has become one of the hottest spots to tee-off in the Caribbean, if not the world. Here golfers will find 19 courses with ocean-front fairways and dog-leg lefts around swaying coconut palms. They'll also find courses designed by legends such as Pete Dye, P.B. Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones, Gary Player, Tom Fazio and Nick Faldo.
The next few years are especially important for DR golf as five new courses are scheduled to open throughout 2008 and 2009. But visitors to the Dominican Republic needn't worry about packing golf clubs or even knowing how to golf, for that matter. Each course offers affordable club rentals and internationally recognized golf pros for lessons. Regardless of handicap, the courses of the Dominican Republic promise a challenging and unique experience.
Within 90 minutes drive of Punta Cana/Bavaro, there are 13 golf courses. Here are our personal favourites:
Dye Fore - The newest course and the third by Pete Dye to open at the luxurious Casa de Campo resort in La Romana is unique, with a 300-foot deep river gorge, Mediterranean village, mountains and the Caribbean Sea as backdrops. The course itself is expansive, measuring a long 7,770 feet with fairways 200-feet wide. Although visually intimidating, the course is very playable and golfers have been raving about the new addition.
Teeth of the Dog - Consistently ranked by golf experts as one of the top 50 courses in the world, Teeth of the Dog is located at Casa de Campo resort in La Romana. The course features several signature Dye formations along with seven oceanfront holes, four on the front nine and three on the back, and is considered extra challenging due to the tricky sea breezes. The course opened in 1971 and recently had its teeth sharpened and lengthened. It re-opened in November of 2005.
Punta Cana Resort & Club's La Cana Golf Course
Located at Punta Cana Resort & Club, every hole within this P.B. Dye-designed championship course captures the scenery of the Caribbean with 14 ocean-view and four ocean-front holes. In fact, the 18th hole has been said to resemble the infamous 18th hole at Pebble Beach. And, according to Dye, the 7th hole is golfer's purgatory!
Punta Blanca - The new five-star Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Beach Resort features a casino, spa and an 18-hole golf course designed by Nick Price. Punta Blanca celebrated its grand opening May of 2007 with Nick Price inaugurating the course.
Cocotal Golf and Country Club - The 18-hole course, designed by six-time Spanish champion Jose Pepe Gancedo, uses the natural terrain of an old coconut plantation and includes serene lakes and palm trees in its landscape. In 2002, an additional nine-hole course opened.
Punta Espada Golf Course - The initial golf course to open at luxurious Cap Cana is Punta Espada, the first Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in the Dominican Republic. World renowned golf course management team Troon Golf staffs the 7,382 yard-long 18-hole course. The architecture utilized the area's bluffs, beach, waterways and jungle foliage with eight of the holes directly on the ocean.
Roco Ki Golf Club - One of the newest projects announced for the Macao Beach area is The Faldo Legacy Course at Roco Ki Golf Club. An 18-hole championship course, The Faldo Legacy Course will thrill golfers of every ability with its challenging cliffside and ocean-view holes, tropical mangrove forest and lagoon. Troon Golf will also manage this course.
MRI Overseas Property has been offering fantastic properties to its clients in the Dominican Republic for some years now, but even we were pleasantly surprised at the level of enquiries over the last month.
There was huge demand via our web site, with enquiries for The Dominican outweighing any others and our telephones were ringing off the hooks with calls asking for more information.
Is it the year-round fantastic weather, the thought of the Caribbean sea and beaches or something else?
It may well be the golfing facilities which are some of the finest anywhere in the world.
Read on for some details on what you can expect. And if this taste of the delights of the Dominican Republic has whet your appetites, contact us straight away to talk about viewing properties there!
A favourite golfing destination of former US Presidents Bill Clinton and George H. Bush, the Dominican Republic has become one of the hottest spots to tee-off in the Caribbean, if not the world. Here golfers will find 19 courses with ocean-front fairways and dog-leg lefts around swaying coconut palms. They'll also find courses designed by legends such as Pete Dye, P.B. Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones, Gary Player, Tom Fazio and Nick Faldo.
The next few years are especially important for DR golf as five new courses are scheduled to open throughout 2008 and 2009. But visitors to the Dominican Republic needn't worry about packing golf clubs or even knowing how to golf, for that matter. Each course offers affordable club rentals and internationally recognized golf pros for lessons. Regardless of handicap, the courses of the Dominican Republic promise a challenging and unique experience.
Within 90 minutes drive of Punta Cana/Bavaro, there are 13 golf courses. Here are our personal favourites:
Dye Fore - The newest course and the third by Pete Dye to open at the luxurious Casa de Campo resort in La Romana is unique, with a 300-foot deep river gorge, Mediterranean village, mountains and the Caribbean Sea as backdrops. The course itself is expansive, measuring a long 7,770 feet with fairways 200-feet wide. Although visually intimidating, the course is very playable and golfers have been raving about the new addition.
Teeth of the Dog - Consistently ranked by golf experts as one of the top 50 courses in the world, Teeth of the Dog is located at Casa de Campo resort in La Romana. The course features several signature Dye formations along with seven oceanfront holes, four on the front nine and three on the back, and is considered extra challenging due to the tricky sea breezes. The course opened in 1971 and recently had its teeth sharpened and lengthened. It re-opened in November of 2005.
Punta Cana Resort & Club's La Cana Golf Course
Located at Punta Cana Resort & Club, every hole within this P.B. Dye-designed championship course captures the scenery of the Caribbean with 14 ocean-view and four ocean-front holes. In fact, the 18th hole has been said to resemble the infamous 18th hole at Pebble Beach. And, according to Dye, the 7th hole is golfer's purgatory!
Punta Blanca - The new five-star Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Beach Resort features a casino, spa and an 18-hole golf course designed by Nick Price. Punta Blanca celebrated its grand opening May of 2007 with Nick Price inaugurating the course.
Cocotal Golf and Country Club - The 18-hole course, designed by six-time Spanish champion Jose Pepe Gancedo, uses the natural terrain of an old coconut plantation and includes serene lakes and palm trees in its landscape. In 2002, an additional nine-hole course opened.
Punta Espada Golf Course - The initial golf course to open at luxurious Cap Cana is Punta Espada, the first Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in the Dominican Republic. World renowned golf course management team Troon Golf staffs the 7,382 yard-long 18-hole course. The architecture utilized the area's bluffs, beach, waterways and jungle foliage with eight of the holes directly on the ocean.
Roco Ki Golf Club - One of the newest projects announced for the Macao Beach area is The Faldo Legacy Course at Roco Ki Golf Club. An 18-hole championship course, The Faldo Legacy Course will thrill golfers of every ability with its challenging cliffside and ocean-view holes, tropical mangrove forest and lagoon. Troon Golf will also manage this course.
The Titanic has landed...
...just down the block from our Orlando offices.
This attraction, sure to be a hit with the holiday visitors milling along International Drive, opened at the end of last year.
So, whilst you're there (and have a look at this video to whet your appetite), why not call into the offices of the world famous real estate company as well and consider all the fabulous properties on offer?
Now is a great time to buy, with a huge inventory of property, one of which is bound to be ideal for you and your family and friends and interest rates at an historic low.
Contact MRI Overseas Property on +1 407 397 9777 or just call in when you're in the area to 7220 International Drive, Orlando, Florida. 32819.
This attraction, sure to be a hit with the holiday visitors milling along International Drive, opened at the end of last year.
So, whilst you're there (and have a look at this video to whet your appetite), why not call into the offices of the world famous real estate company as well and consider all the fabulous properties on offer?
Now is a great time to buy, with a huge inventory of property, one of which is bound to be ideal for you and your family and friends and interest rates at an historic low.
Contact MRI Overseas Property on +1 407 397 9777 or just call in when you're in the area to 7220 International Drive, Orlando, Florida. 32819.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
La belle France; or some reasons to buy in France...
Picasso, Matisse and Renoir fell in love with the wonderful natural coastline of the magical French Riviera as well as the well established social circuit, set against a backdrop of fine architecture, the most prevalent of which is that of the "Belle Epoque" school.
Cannes, Nice, St Jean Cap Ferrat and Monte Carlo continue to be sophisticated and cosmopolitan, with so much to do throughout the year. A Christmas break can include skiing and tobogganing for a few hours in Greolieres, ice skating in Nice and Monaco, guided tours in most languages of the different historic old towns, a visit to one of the top class museums devoted to Matisse or Chagall, while those who cannot make it for the Monaco Grand Prix (21 - 24 May 2009) can tour or drive the F1 circuit in a Ferrari 360 Modena Spider at €85.00 as a driver, or a very reasonable €45.00 as a passenger (www.livenupmonaco.com). This rate is somewhat less than a Nice taxi driver would ask for a reasonable short journey! Designer shopping is a given, with Rolex, Chanel, Dior, YSL, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Chopard and Vertu, all with stand alone boutiques along the coast.
MRI Overseas Property France Director Geoffrey Donoghue states that whether it is a beach front villa, an ubercool penthouse or a Provencal house that is required, his team of trained professionals have access to the best properties locally. MRI Overseas Property´s local team of Sales Executives as well as members of the "in house" Aftersales and Listings Departments are mostly local Nice, Cannes or Menton born with invaluable connections in the market, including Monaco. It is not surprising that many famous property owners past and present have found the French Riviera the perfect location for holidaying or retirement including Bono and The Edge of U2, Sir Elton John and Sir David Niven. Duncan Ballatyne and James Caan of Dragon´s Den are long time owners here also.
Despite what is going on at present in the world, consistent demand remains for property on the French Riviera. Clients from as far afield as UK, Scandinavian countries and the Russian Federation who all see the market as a safe, highly regulated and secure place to purchase for holidays or relocate.
Due to the authorities restriction on allowing much new build along the coast, demand is strong. We at MRI Overseas Property France have some interesting modern apartments worth looking into soon as an entry level to the Cote D´Ázur at Antibes and Cannes. Our independent Rental Agents are happy to help with long and short term rentals and are happy to confirm rates before purchase. Financing locally is available. Remember France´s economy is still growing, a fact that President Sarkosy is proud of and is a result of a cautious and steady financial sector.
Cannes, Nice, St Jean Cap Ferrat and Monte Carlo continue to be sophisticated and cosmopolitan, with so much to do throughout the year. A Christmas break can include skiing and tobogganing for a few hours in Greolieres, ice skating in Nice and Monaco, guided tours in most languages of the different historic old towns, a visit to one of the top class museums devoted to Matisse or Chagall, while those who cannot make it for the Monaco Grand Prix (21 - 24 May 2009) can tour or drive the F1 circuit in a Ferrari 360 Modena Spider at €85.00 as a driver, or a very reasonable €45.00 as a passenger (www.livenupmonaco.com). This rate is somewhat less than a Nice taxi driver would ask for a reasonable short journey! Designer shopping is a given, with Rolex, Chanel, Dior, YSL, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Chopard and Vertu, all with stand alone boutiques along the coast.
MRI Overseas Property France Director Geoffrey Donoghue states that whether it is a beach front villa, an ubercool penthouse or a Provencal house that is required, his team of trained professionals have access to the best properties locally. MRI Overseas Property´s local team of Sales Executives as well as members of the "in house" Aftersales and Listings Departments are mostly local Nice, Cannes or Menton born with invaluable connections in the market, including Monaco. It is not surprising that many famous property owners past and present have found the French Riviera the perfect location for holidaying or retirement including Bono and The Edge of U2, Sir Elton John and Sir David Niven. Duncan Ballatyne and James Caan of Dragon´s Den are long time owners here also.
Despite what is going on at present in the world, consistent demand remains for property on the French Riviera. Clients from as far afield as UK, Scandinavian countries and the Russian Federation who all see the market as a safe, highly regulated and secure place to purchase for holidays or relocate.
Due to the authorities restriction on allowing much new build along the coast, demand is strong. We at MRI Overseas Property France have some interesting modern apartments worth looking into soon as an entry level to the Cote D´Ázur at Antibes and Cannes. Our independent Rental Agents are happy to help with long and short term rentals and are happy to confirm rates before purchase. Financing locally is available. Remember France´s economy is still growing, a fact that President Sarkosy is proud of and is a result of a cautious and steady financial sector.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Clarification by MRI' new CEO
NEW CEO AND DIRECTION FOR MRI OP
MRI Overseas Property, DCC International Property
Ending speculation on various trade and investor blogs, the new CEO of MRI Overseas Property, Dominic Pickering, has outlined the company’s plans to focus on construction in 2009.
“We launched 7 or 8 years ago and started constructing at the midway point,” said Pickering. “Most of our profit now comes from construction and the day to day demands, and costs, of marketing are no longer our main focus.”
Pickering told OPP that MRI had gone through a major restructure in the last 3-6 months, closing some of its offices and laying off some staff as the company downsized to adapt to current market conditions. While the board is largely unchanged – Darragh Macanthony is chairman, Paul O’Mahoney is director of construction, and James Forester is marketing director – a significant change is the absence of former CEO Michael Liggan.
“Marketing was always Michael’s forte, so he has set up his own venture,” said Pickering. “This is not an acrimonious departure, and we hope he will send some buyers our way”. This new venture, called DCC International Property, was recently set up by Michael Liggan and is currently promoting projects in Cyprus, Bulgaria, Portugal, Romania, Spain and USA.
Independent venture
Confirming that DCC was “completely independent” of MRI Overseas Property, Liggan told OPP that: “DCC doesn't have an exclusive agreement to market or sell MRI developments and currently doesn't have any other exclusive agreements for the many other developments it will be marketing”.
Clarifying the relationship with MRI and its board, Liggan added: “I have a very close relationship to Darragh MacAnthony; not only was I the CEO for his group of companies for many years but I am also his best friend. Because of this a lot of industry people have assumed that DCC is really MRI in disguise when that simply isn't the case. The truth of the situation is that Darragh wants to focus more of his time on developing and constructing projects around the world and also developing his football club Peterborough United and trying to get them promoted this season and in the next season until they're in the Premiership.
“With Darragh not wanting to focus on taking over yet more of his ‘territories’ for his real estate company there is an opportunity for someone like me to want to do this and I believe the industry needs it. With Darragh planning on downsizing MRI Overseas Property I felt that now is the obvious time to go for it. Yes, we're going through a worldwide credit crunch but times like this are often considered the best time to start a new company and for me that means I have direct access to taking on some of the best staff in the industry and also some of the best offices out there”.
Since DCC is currently promoting MRI projects, and occupying some of the MRI offices that had been closed down, there have been rumours of a rebrand. “It’s not a rebrand,” added Pickering. “We’ve spent 8 years building the MRI brand. We offered DCC the option of taking on the leases of some of our office space in Cyprus and Spain. They took up the offer and have even recruited some of the people we had to let go.”
Outlining plans going forward, Pickering said that it would not be relying on the same traditional marketing methods to sell homes. “As constructors, we still know how to sell,” he said. “But rather than spending thousands on stands at property exhibitions, we will be building a network of agents to partner with. We still have thousands upon thousands of clients on our database who have either purchased or shown interest, so we have various options open to us, but our aim is to build sales networks in the UK, Europe and the US.”
While MRI’s headquarters will remain in Spain, Pickering is based in Orlando in the US and is currently in negotiation with local partners to build this network. He also told OPP that MRI had been actively banking land in Europe and the US over the last year to support its focus on construction.
© www.opp.org.uk
MRI Overseas Property, DCC International Property
Ending speculation on various trade and investor blogs, the new CEO of MRI Overseas Property, Dominic Pickering, has outlined the company’s plans to focus on construction in 2009.
“We launched 7 or 8 years ago and started constructing at the midway point,” said Pickering. “Most of our profit now comes from construction and the day to day demands, and costs, of marketing are no longer our main focus.”
Pickering told OPP that MRI had gone through a major restructure in the last 3-6 months, closing some of its offices and laying off some staff as the company downsized to adapt to current market conditions. While the board is largely unchanged – Darragh Macanthony is chairman, Paul O’Mahoney is director of construction, and James Forester is marketing director – a significant change is the absence of former CEO Michael Liggan.
“Marketing was always Michael’s forte, so he has set up his own venture,” said Pickering. “This is not an acrimonious departure, and we hope he will send some buyers our way”. This new venture, called DCC International Property, was recently set up by Michael Liggan and is currently promoting projects in Cyprus, Bulgaria, Portugal, Romania, Spain and USA.
Independent venture
Confirming that DCC was “completely independent” of MRI Overseas Property, Liggan told OPP that: “DCC doesn't have an exclusive agreement to market or sell MRI developments and currently doesn't have any other exclusive agreements for the many other developments it will be marketing”.
Clarifying the relationship with MRI and its board, Liggan added: “I have a very close relationship to Darragh MacAnthony; not only was I the CEO for his group of companies for many years but I am also his best friend. Because of this a lot of industry people have assumed that DCC is really MRI in disguise when that simply isn't the case. The truth of the situation is that Darragh wants to focus more of his time on developing and constructing projects around the world and also developing his football club Peterborough United and trying to get them promoted this season and in the next season until they're in the Premiership.
“With Darragh not wanting to focus on taking over yet more of his ‘territories’ for his real estate company there is an opportunity for someone like me to want to do this and I believe the industry needs it. With Darragh planning on downsizing MRI Overseas Property I felt that now is the obvious time to go for it. Yes, we're going through a worldwide credit crunch but times like this are often considered the best time to start a new company and for me that means I have direct access to taking on some of the best staff in the industry and also some of the best offices out there”.
Since DCC is currently promoting MRI projects, and occupying some of the MRI offices that had been closed down, there have been rumours of a rebrand. “It’s not a rebrand,” added Pickering. “We’ve spent 8 years building the MRI brand. We offered DCC the option of taking on the leases of some of our office space in Cyprus and Spain. They took up the offer and have even recruited some of the people we had to let go.”
Outlining plans going forward, Pickering said that it would not be relying on the same traditional marketing methods to sell homes. “As constructors, we still know how to sell,” he said. “But rather than spending thousands on stands at property exhibitions, we will be building a network of agents to partner with. We still have thousands upon thousands of clients on our database who have either purchased or shown interest, so we have various options open to us, but our aim is to build sales networks in the UK, Europe and the US.”
While MRI’s headquarters will remain in Spain, Pickering is based in Orlando in the US and is currently in negotiation with local partners to build this network. He also told OPP that MRI had been actively banking land in Europe and the US over the last year to support its focus on construction.
© www.opp.org.uk
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
More reasons to buy in Florida!
Travel + Leisure magazine has come out with its annual list of the 500 best hotels in the world and Florida has landed 28 on the list from the Panhandle to Disney to the Keys.
Disney landed three of its own hotels on the list including the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge, and the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress near Downtown Disney was also included. Disney competitor Universal also made the list with the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Two other Orlando-area hotels -- the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes and Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown rounded out the Orlando-area hotels.
Orlando led the way for the most hotels in one area with seven followed by the Miami area with five and Palm Beach and Naples each with three.
Ponte Vedra in northeast Florida had two on the list as did the Florida Keys.
Rounding out the state with one hotel on the list each were the cities of Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Bonita Springs, Amelia Island, Santa Rosa Beach and St. Augustine.
Central Florida
Orlando Area -- Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Orlando Area -- Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Orlando Area -- Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Orlando Area -- Grand Bohemian Hotel
Orlando Area -- Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Orlando Area -- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
Orlando Area -- Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes
Sarasota -- Ritz-Carlton
St. Petersburg -- Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club
South Florida
Bonita Springs -- Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
Florida Keys -- Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
Florida Keys-- Pier House Resort & Caribbean Spa
Miami Area -- Four Seasons Hotel
Miami Area -- Mandarin Oriental
Naples -- Ritz-Carlton
Naples -- Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort
Palm Beach -- Four Seasons Resort
Palm Beach -- Ritz-Carlton
Palm Beach -- The Breakers
North Florida
Amelia Island -- Ritz-Carlton
Ponte Vedra -- Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Ponte Vedra -- The Lodge & Club
Santa Rosa Beach -- WaterColor Inn & Resort
St. Augustine -- Casa Monica Hotel
The magazine's list ranks the Singita Sabi Sand at Kruger National Park Area in South Africa as the top place to stay in the world. The top place to stay in the U.S. (No. 5 in the world overall) is the Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Mont.
The top Florida entry (No. 12 in the world overall) was also in their top 25 -- the Little Palm Island Resort & Spa on Little Torch Key
Disney landed three of its own hotels on the list including the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge, and the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress near Downtown Disney was also included. Disney competitor Universal also made the list with the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Two other Orlando-area hotels -- the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes and Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown rounded out the Orlando-area hotels.
Orlando led the way for the most hotels in one area with seven followed by the Miami area with five and Palm Beach and Naples each with three.
Ponte Vedra in northeast Florida had two on the list as did the Florida Keys.
Rounding out the state with one hotel on the list each were the cities of Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Bonita Springs, Amelia Island, Santa Rosa Beach and St. Augustine.
Central Florida
Orlando Area -- Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Orlando Area -- Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Orlando Area -- Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Orlando Area -- Grand Bohemian Hotel
Orlando Area -- Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Orlando Area -- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
Orlando Area -- Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes
Sarasota -- Ritz-Carlton
St. Petersburg -- Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club
South Florida
Bonita Springs -- Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
Florida Keys -- Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
Florida Keys-- Pier House Resort & Caribbean Spa
Miami Area -- Four Seasons Hotel
Miami Area -- Mandarin Oriental
Naples -- Ritz-Carlton
Naples -- Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort
Palm Beach -- Four Seasons Resort
Palm Beach -- Ritz-Carlton
Palm Beach -- The Breakers
North Florida
Amelia Island -- Ritz-Carlton
Ponte Vedra -- Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Ponte Vedra -- The Lodge & Club
Santa Rosa Beach -- WaterColor Inn & Resort
St. Augustine -- Casa Monica Hotel
The magazine's list ranks the Singita Sabi Sand at Kruger National Park Area in South Africa as the top place to stay in the world. The top place to stay in the U.S. (No. 5 in the world overall) is the Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Mont.
The top Florida entry (No. 12 in the world overall) was also in their top 25 -- the Little Palm Island Resort & Spa on Little Torch Key
Friday, December 19, 2008
New MRI CEO looks forward to 2009 with excitement...
20 years in the Real Estate and Finance industry has taught me that it’s all a matter of timing.
2008 was the correction period that was inevitable. That means that 2009 is the year of opportunity.
Over the last few months I have had the pleasure of speaking to, and working with, many of the new ‘movers and shakers’ of the Real Estate industry. They are making the moves right now that will ensure that they will secure their financial future. They are buying at the bottom of the market, knowing that the only way this market can go is up.
Yet many of these people are not the established wealthy. Not yet anyway. They are average investors that have been just waiting for the market to correct itself, so that they can take full advantage.
Over the next few months, we will see many of the transactions take place, that we will look back on in 2 or 3 years time and marvel at what amazing bargains were secured.
MRI has restructured itself during the later stages of 2008. I have taken over as CEO and my aim is to ensure that we continue to bring quality investment products to the market.
With that in mind, we are concentrating specifically on the apartments we build via the Construction arm of our company. History has proved time and time again that Real Estate will outstrip any other form of investment if given enough time, as long as you pick a good location and supply a high quality build. MRI has a track-record of providing both. 2008 saw us complete our first Bulgarian project, Aspen Golf, with 4 other projects hot on its heels, all which will complete on schedule and on budget.
We have also begun acquiring land in many other countries, using the very valuable insight we possess as to which markets are likely to show the most significant Capital Appreciation as the market turns positive again. In addition to just developing Real Estate, we are also launching some ground-breaking rental packages which will mean that investors can have peace-of-mind with regard to mortgage payments for as long as 10 years!
Producing more universally acclaimed developments is what we will continue to do throughout my tenure as CEO.
What you will see less of this year is MRI attending Property Exhibitions. We have decided to leave that to the many partners that we deal with throughout the world; independent companies that have the right ethics and attitude, and that we endorse to promote our products.
On a personal note, after many years in this industry with a variety of different companies, I am very excited to be given the opportunity to be at the helm of the industry leader. Particularly as I believe 2009 will be a pivotal year. It will be the year that we look back on as when the recovery happened, and I look forward to dealing with many clients this year who have the foresight to recognize that ‘now’ really is the time to invest in Real Estate for long-term wealth.
Join me and make this a great year for yourself.
Dominic Pickering
Chief Executive Officer
MRI
2008 was the correction period that was inevitable. That means that 2009 is the year of opportunity.
Over the last few months I have had the pleasure of speaking to, and working with, many of the new ‘movers and shakers’ of the Real Estate industry. They are making the moves right now that will ensure that they will secure their financial future. They are buying at the bottom of the market, knowing that the only way this market can go is up.
Yet many of these people are not the established wealthy. Not yet anyway. They are average investors that have been just waiting for the market to correct itself, so that they can take full advantage.
Over the next few months, we will see many of the transactions take place, that we will look back on in 2 or 3 years time and marvel at what amazing bargains were secured.
MRI has restructured itself during the later stages of 2008. I have taken over as CEO and my aim is to ensure that we continue to bring quality investment products to the market.
With that in mind, we are concentrating specifically on the apartments we build via the Construction arm of our company. History has proved time and time again that Real Estate will outstrip any other form of investment if given enough time, as long as you pick a good location and supply a high quality build. MRI has a track-record of providing both. 2008 saw us complete our first Bulgarian project, Aspen Golf, with 4 other projects hot on its heels, all which will complete on schedule and on budget.
We have also begun acquiring land in many other countries, using the very valuable insight we possess as to which markets are likely to show the most significant Capital Appreciation as the market turns positive again. In addition to just developing Real Estate, we are also launching some ground-breaking rental packages which will mean that investors can have peace-of-mind with regard to mortgage payments for as long as 10 years!
Producing more universally acclaimed developments is what we will continue to do throughout my tenure as CEO.
What you will see less of this year is MRI attending Property Exhibitions. We have decided to leave that to the many partners that we deal with throughout the world; independent companies that have the right ethics and attitude, and that we endorse to promote our products.
On a personal note, after many years in this industry with a variety of different companies, I am very excited to be given the opportunity to be at the helm of the industry leader. Particularly as I believe 2009 will be a pivotal year. It will be the year that we look back on as when the recovery happened, and I look forward to dealing with many clients this year who have the foresight to recognize that ‘now’ really is the time to invest in Real Estate for long-term wealth.
Join me and make this a great year for yourself.
Dominic Pickering
Chief Executive Officer
MRI
Friday, December 5, 2008
Handshake deal gets foreclosure reprieve...
Governor Charlie Crist announced that many Florida banks have agreed to voluntarily delay scheduling foreclosure sales of homesteaded homes for 45 days. The non-binding resolution is a less dramatic action than the 90-day ban Crist sought to impose, but the volunteer effort has broad participation and the backing of the Florida Bankers' Association. Bank of America, Countrywide, JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup already announced similar delays or internal company-wide moratoriums. The delay extends only to banks that are members of the Florida Bankers' Association, which declined to release its roster Monday. [Miami Herald]
Friday, November 21, 2008
$4.7m port project for Florida and Disney
The Port Canaveral Authority Board of Commissioners has awarded a $4.7 million contract for enhancements that will allow it to accommodate two new Disney Cruise Line ships that will hold more than 4,000 passengers each.
Misener Marine Construction of Tampa won the contract that includes building a deep-water seawall, additional moorings and dredging. The project, when engineering costs are factored in, is worth about $5.1 million.
The first of the new ships will arrive at the port in 2011 and the second comes a year later.
The port is also building a 1,000-space parking garage to handle additional traffic associated with the ships. Construction of the garage is expected to begin next May and finish in April 2010.
Misener Marine Construction of Tampa won the contract that includes building a deep-water seawall, additional moorings and dredging. The project, when engineering costs are factored in, is worth about $5.1 million.
The first of the new ships will arrive at the port in 2011 and the second comes a year later.
The port is also building a 1,000-space parking garage to handle additional traffic associated with the ships. Construction of the garage is expected to begin next May and finish in April 2010.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
MRI Construction to launch development in Orlando
MRI Construction to launch development in Orlando
MRI Construction is about to launch its first ever development stateside. The company will imminently announce its latest project, a large-scale international holiday resort in Orlando, Florida.
This project marks the next phase of its planned growth toward becoming a truly global property developer.
Designed specifically for investors looking to own a second home in the “tourism capital of the world”, this new project will offer properties to an extremely high standard, designed for holiday use and for rental through MRI’s own on-site management company.
While details are still under wraps, Paul O’Mahony, Managing Director of MRI Construction, said: “I can reveal that the development is somewhat different from what has come before from MRI, for reasons that will become obvious when we launch it.”
“There will be a tempting opening offer for current clients of the company,” he added.
MRI Construction is about to launch its first ever development stateside. The company will imminently announce its latest project, a large-scale international holiday resort in Orlando, Florida.
This project marks the next phase of its planned growth toward becoming a truly global property developer.
Designed specifically for investors looking to own a second home in the “tourism capital of the world”, this new project will offer properties to an extremely high standard, designed for holiday use and for rental through MRI’s own on-site management company.
While details are still under wraps, Paul O’Mahony, Managing Director of MRI Construction, said: “I can reveal that the development is somewhat different from what has come before from MRI, for reasons that will become obvious when we launch it.”
“There will be a tempting opening offer for current clients of the company,” he added.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Disney's new dinosaur-themed restaurant opens today
New T-Rex restaurant at Downtown Disney
T-Rex is the kind of restaurant where parents might encourage their children to go dig in the dirt before dinner.
"It's nice dirt. It's clean dirt," said Keith Beitler, Landry's Restaurants' senior vice president and chief operating officer for specialty restaurants. "It's Disney dirt."
T-Rex is a big, brash dinosaur-themed restaurant that opens today at Downtown Disney with seating for more than 620, a couple of dozen life-size robotic dinosaurs and real fossils encased in the bathroom walls. Dishes include mushroom ravioli simmering in lobster cream sauce, with Roma tomatoes and fresh spinach.
Collaborators Landry's Restaurants, Schussler Creative and Walt Disney Imagineering, the team that brought Rainforest Cafe to Walt Disney World, aimed at going way beyond that themed restaurant, to create a more interactive mix of décor, show, dining and educational flourishes that Beitler called "eattainment."
Beginning with a children's fossil-dig pit -- where an entire set of replica T-Rex bones is buried -- the restaurant combines activities, prehistoric-themed shows of light, sound and robotic creatures, and American cuisine.
"When you build the Rainforest Cafe, and we did 45 in seven years, and you do Yak & Yeti, the expectations are pretty high," said Steven Schussler, whose company developed the T-Rex concept, just as it did concepts for Landry's Rainforest Cafe chain and Disney's Yak & Yeti restaurant. "People want to know: How do you outdo yourself? How do you make it even better? We tried -- we really tried -- to go over the top."
Expectations are indeed high. The Disney T-Rex occupies a front-and-center spot at Downtown Disney, and is Disney's first big new development in its plans for a new, more family-oriented dining, shopping and entertainment area. Just last month, Disney closed six Pleasure Island nightclubs, and their more-family-oriented replacements will be up to two years away, increasing an already-apparent deficit of dining space.
"T-Rex adds some of the needed seat capacity that we are so lacking down here at this point," said Downtown Disney Vice President Kevin Lansberry. "Plus it's unique . . . highly differentiated, interactive for kids, and it fills an almost attractionlike concept as well as a dining concept."
With T-Rex, open for lunch and dinner, and with prospects for breakfast parties, Beitler hopes it can serve 2,500 to 3,000 diners a day -- as many as 1 million per year.
Landry's, which operates 31 restaurant concepts including Landry's Seafood House, and The Chart House, adapted much of the menu from its other properties, tweaking them for prehistoric flair, Beitler said. Entrées include salads, soups, meat dishes such as the Mega Mes-O-Bones ribs, pastas, seafood and sandwiches. They run from $11.99 (for an 8-ounce Bronto Burger) to $29.99 (Triceratop filet.)
"We took everything we had, and put it around the theme of the restaurant," Beitler said. "We also understand that we are feeding middle America, and we're feeding overseas. We've got to do who we are. We've got to do American cuisine, with a prehistoric flair."
There's also a full-service bar (the Shark Bar) featuring $9.99 T-Rita Cotton Tinis, and a large gift shop that features a Build-A-Dino enterprise created by Build-A-Bear Workshop, where people can put together custom-made plush toys, starting at $15.
Schussler said the restaurant was designed so that first impressions would be "wow!" The outside decor features an exact life-size replica of a 140-foot long Argentinosaurus.
Inside the front door, visitors find a panorama of the Shark Bar with its glowing glass bar, 5,000-gallon shark tank and giant, robotic octopus; a life-size, robotic, tyrannosaurus rex; themed dining areas such as the Geo-Tech Room with its flaming walls; and Ice Cave with its glowing walls.
"Obviously, people come for the 'wow' factor, but they'll come back for quality food and service that Landry's provides," Schussler said. "Without that they wouldn't be coming back."
Downtown Disney's new restaurant appeals to the 'wow' factor
600 Employees
30,000 Square feet in size
620 Seats
$11.95 to $29.95 Entrée prices
$9.99 Cotton-candy
"Cotton-Tini" cocktail
7,000 Gallons of aquariums
140 Species of fish
-- Source: Schussler Creative
T-Rex is the kind of restaurant where parents might encourage their children to go dig in the dirt before dinner.
"It's nice dirt. It's clean dirt," said Keith Beitler, Landry's Restaurants' senior vice president and chief operating officer for specialty restaurants. "It's Disney dirt."
T-Rex is a big, brash dinosaur-themed restaurant that opens today at Downtown Disney with seating for more than 620, a couple of dozen life-size robotic dinosaurs and real fossils encased in the bathroom walls. Dishes include mushroom ravioli simmering in lobster cream sauce, with Roma tomatoes and fresh spinach.
Collaborators Landry's Restaurants, Schussler Creative and Walt Disney Imagineering, the team that brought Rainforest Cafe to Walt Disney World, aimed at going way beyond that themed restaurant, to create a more interactive mix of décor, show, dining and educational flourishes that Beitler called "eattainment."
Beginning with a children's fossil-dig pit -- where an entire set of replica T-Rex bones is buried -- the restaurant combines activities, prehistoric-themed shows of light, sound and robotic creatures, and American cuisine.
"When you build the Rainforest Cafe, and we did 45 in seven years, and you do Yak & Yeti, the expectations are pretty high," said Steven Schussler, whose company developed the T-Rex concept, just as it did concepts for Landry's Rainforest Cafe chain and Disney's Yak & Yeti restaurant. "People want to know: How do you outdo yourself? How do you make it even better? We tried -- we really tried -- to go over the top."
Expectations are indeed high. The Disney T-Rex occupies a front-and-center spot at Downtown Disney, and is Disney's first big new development in its plans for a new, more family-oriented dining, shopping and entertainment area. Just last month, Disney closed six Pleasure Island nightclubs, and their more-family-oriented replacements will be up to two years away, increasing an already-apparent deficit of dining space.
"T-Rex adds some of the needed seat capacity that we are so lacking down here at this point," said Downtown Disney Vice President Kevin Lansberry. "Plus it's unique . . . highly differentiated, interactive for kids, and it fills an almost attractionlike concept as well as a dining concept."
With T-Rex, open for lunch and dinner, and with prospects for breakfast parties, Beitler hopes it can serve 2,500 to 3,000 diners a day -- as many as 1 million per year.
Landry's, which operates 31 restaurant concepts including Landry's Seafood House, and The Chart House, adapted much of the menu from its other properties, tweaking them for prehistoric flair, Beitler said. Entrées include salads, soups, meat dishes such as the Mega Mes-O-Bones ribs, pastas, seafood and sandwiches. They run from $11.99 (for an 8-ounce Bronto Burger) to $29.99 (Triceratop filet.)
"We took everything we had, and put it around the theme of the restaurant," Beitler said. "We also understand that we are feeding middle America, and we're feeding overseas. We've got to do who we are. We've got to do American cuisine, with a prehistoric flair."
There's also a full-service bar (the Shark Bar) featuring $9.99 T-Rita Cotton Tinis, and a large gift shop that features a Build-A-Dino enterprise created by Build-A-Bear Workshop, where people can put together custom-made plush toys, starting at $15.
Schussler said the restaurant was designed so that first impressions would be "wow!" The outside decor features an exact life-size replica of a 140-foot long Argentinosaurus.
Inside the front door, visitors find a panorama of the Shark Bar with its glowing glass bar, 5,000-gallon shark tank and giant, robotic octopus; a life-size, robotic, tyrannosaurus rex; themed dining areas such as the Geo-Tech Room with its flaming walls; and Ice Cave with its glowing walls.
"Obviously, people come for the 'wow' factor, but they'll come back for quality food and service that Landry's provides," Schussler said. "Without that they wouldn't be coming back."
Downtown Disney's new restaurant appeals to the 'wow' factor
600 Employees
30,000 Square feet in size
620 Seats
$11.95 to $29.95 Entrée prices
$9.99 Cotton-candy
"Cotton-Tini" cocktail
7,000 Gallons of aquariums
140 Species of fish
-- Source: Schussler Creative
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Good news: pending home sales rose 7.4% from July to August
Pending home sales show surprise rise
The National Association of Realtors says pending home sales increased
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The National Association of Realtors says pending home sales rose 7.4% from July to August, an unexpected piece of positive news for the battered U.S. housing market.
The group said Wednesday its seasonally adjusted index of pending sales for existing homes rose to 93.4 from an upwardly revised July reading of 87. The reading was the highest since June 2007.
Wall Street economists surveyed by Thomson/IFR had predicted the index would fall to 84.9.
The index, which sunk to a record low of 83 in March, stood at 85.8 in August 2007.
The National Association of Realtors says pending home sales increased
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The National Association of Realtors says pending home sales rose 7.4% from July to August, an unexpected piece of positive news for the battered U.S. housing market.
The group said Wednesday its seasonally adjusted index of pending sales for existing homes rose to 93.4 from an upwardly revised July reading of 87. The reading was the highest since June 2007.
Wall Street economists surveyed by Thomson/IFR had predicted the index would fall to 84.9.
The index, which sunk to a record low of 83 in March, stood at 85.8 in August 2007.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Domestic travel down, international up at OIA
Orlando International Airport has reported that its domestic passenger traffic declined 7.9 percent in August, but international traffic jumped 16 percent.
The airport recorded 2.975 million passengers during August, an overall 6.3 percent drop from the month before and the first time this year that passenger traffic fell below the three million mark. Poor economic conditions and airline service cuts were blamed for the decline.
During August, OIA registered 2.79 million domestic travelers, bringing the year’s total to nearly 23.6 million — a 0.29 increase over last year. There were 239,044 international travelers in August, bringing the year’s total to more than 1.87 million passengers, up 21.1 percent over last year.
The total number of passengers through August was 25.4 million, a 1.58 percent increase over the same period last year.
The airport recorded 2.975 million passengers during August, an overall 6.3 percent drop from the month before and the first time this year that passenger traffic fell below the three million mark. Poor economic conditions and airline service cuts were blamed for the decline.
During August, OIA registered 2.79 million domestic travelers, bringing the year’s total to nearly 23.6 million — a 0.29 increase over last year. There were 239,044 international travelers in August, bringing the year’s total to more than 1.87 million passengers, up 21.1 percent over last year.
The total number of passengers through August was 25.4 million, a 1.58 percent increase over the same period last year.
Monday, September 29, 2008
US home sales on the rise
US home sales on the rise
Some good news from the heart of the credit crunch - according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the US, sales of existing homes are on the rise by 11% this autumn, as the immediate effects of the squeeze on mortgages bottoms out.
As the first signs of recovery show, it is worth bearing in mind the age-old addage: Buy when the market is at the bottom and sell when it is at the top. There are some real property bargains from MRI in Florida and Tennessee at the moment, and with the exchange rate still favourable (but predicted to drop before Christmas), the window of opportunity to make a sound investment in the US could be running out for UK/European buyers. In short, now is the time for smart investors to act.
MRI currently has a GBP149 property viewing trip offer from the UK to Florida. Fill in the form there to find out more.
Some good news from the heart of the credit crunch - according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the US, sales of existing homes are on the rise by 11% this autumn, as the immediate effects of the squeeze on mortgages bottoms out.
As the first signs of recovery show, it is worth bearing in mind the age-old addage: Buy when the market is at the bottom and sell when it is at the top. There are some real property bargains from MRI in Florida and Tennessee at the moment, and with the exchange rate still favourable (but predicted to drop before Christmas), the window of opportunity to make a sound investment in the US could be running out for UK/European buyers. In short, now is the time for smart investors to act.
MRI currently has a GBP149 property viewing trip offer from the UK to Florida. Fill in the form there to find out more.
Homes average a quicker turnover as “days-on-market’ tally drops to its lowest level in 2008
Homes average a quicker turnover as
“days-on-market’ tally drops to its lowest level in 2008
(September, 2008 – Orlando, FL) Osceola County is the bright spot in this month’s housing statistics for the Orlando area: Nearly 9 percent more home sales took place in that county during August 2008 than during August 2007. Other market positives this month include the lowest days-on-market tally (113) so far this year and a fifth consecutive month with more pending sales than in 2007.
Those pending sales, considered by housing economists to be a reliable predictor of future sales activity, are expected to close the current year-to-date sales deficit of 23.30 percent by year end as there are 46.76 percent more homes under contract this month (3,220) than in August of 2007 (2,194).
Members of the Orlando Regional Realtor® Association sold 1,225 homes during the month of August, 16.78 percent below the (1,472) sold in July. That number is 16.50 percent below the total of 1,467 homes sold in August 2007.
The median sales price of a home in the Orlando area in August declined to $200,000, a 3.85 percent decrease compared to the July 2008 median of $208,000. (The median sales price for August 2008 is 18.03 percent below the August 2007 median of $244,000).
The decrease in the median home price to $200,000 means that the area’s affordability index jumped in August to 107.92 percent. (An affordability index of 99 percent means that buyers earning the state-reported median income are 1 percent short of the income necessary to purchase a median-priced home. Conversely, an affordability index that is over 100 means that median-income earners make more than is necessary to qualify for a median-priced home.) Buyers who earn the reported median income of $51,791 can qualify to purchase one of 9,765 homes in Orange and Seminole counties currently listed in the local multiple listing service (MLS) for $215,840 or less.
The first time homebuyer affordability index increased to 76.75 percent from July’s 73.64 percent.
The area’s average interest rate was 6.39 percent in August 2008, down from 6.40 percent in July, but still the second-highest percentage for the last 12 months.
Homes of all types spent an average of 113 days on the market before being sold in August 2008, and the average home sold for 92.77 percent of its listing price. In August 2007 those numbers were 108 and 95.02 percent, respectively.
The majority of single-family homes (197) that changed hands in August 2008 were sold in the $200,000 - $250,000 price range; another 113 homes sold in August for between $250,000 and $300,000. Four hundred thirty-five homes sold for less than $200,000 in August, and 271 sold for more than $300,000. On the far ends of the scale, 16 homes were sold for $1 million or more (the least this year) while 14 homes sold for less than $50,000 (the most this year).
Inventory
There are currently 24,834 homes available for purchase through the MLS. Inventory increased by 92 homes in August 2008, which means that 92 more homes entered the market than left the market. Compared to last year, the August 2008 inventory level (24,834) is 5.62 percent lower than it was in August 2007 (26,313).
The current inventory level reflects a 20.27-month supply at the current pace of sales, which is up from the 16.81-month supply recorded July. Altogether, inventory months-of-supply has declined 35.92 percent since January 2008.
There are 18,363 single-family homes currently listed in the MLS, a number that is more than 1,000 less than this time last year. Most (3,047) are listed in the $200,000 - $250,000 price range. Condos currently make up 4,377 offerings in the MLS, while duplexes/town homes/villas make up the remaining 2,094. Most condos (607) are priced at $120,000 - $140,000. The majority of duplexes/town homes/villas (383) are listed in the $200,000 - $250,000 price category.
Condos and Townhomes/Duplexes/Villas
The sales of condos in the Orlando area decreased by 31.33 percent in August: A total of 114 condos changed hands in August 2008 compared to 166 in August 2007. In a month-to-month comparison, August 2008 condo sales (114) decreased by 14.93 percent from July 2008 (134). Year to date, condo sales are down 43.71 percent, with 939 condos sold so far in 2008 compared to 1,668 sold through the same time in 2007.
In August, the most (20) condos that changed hands were in the $100,000 - $120,000 price category, while an additional 14 sold condos fell in the $140,000 – $160,000 range. The former price category has seen the most condo-sales activity for the last five months.
Orlando homebuyers purchased 95 duplexes, town homes, and villas in August 2008, which is a 29.10 percent decrease from August 2007 when 134 of these alternative housing types were purchased. Year-to-date, duplex, town home, and villa sales are down 19.36 percent. The majority (23) of duplexes, town homes, and villas sold in August 2008 fell into the $160,000 - $180,000 price category, while another 15 sold for between $200,000 and $250,000.
MSA Numbers
Sales of existing homes within the Orlando MSA (Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties) in August were down by 12.25 percent when compared to August of last year. Throughout the entire MSA, 1,518 homes were sold in August 2008 compared with 1,730 in August 2007. Year-to-date, the MSA is down by 22.45 percent, with 11,649 homes sold far in 2008 compared to 15,021 sold through August 2007.
Seminole County’s August 2008 sales dropped 30.90 percent below that of August 2007 (275 to 398), while Orange County fell 10.64 percent (764 to 855). Lake County saw a 5.84 percent decline in the number of sales in August 2008 compared to August 2007 (258 to 274), and Osceola County experienced an 8.87 percent increase (221 to 203).
Each county’s year-to-date sales comparisons are as follows:
Lake: 12.48 percent below 2007 (1,996 homes sold to date in 2008 compared to 2,281 in 2007);
Orange: 24.27 percent below 2007 (5,700 homes sold to date in 2008 compared to 7,527 in 2007);
Osceola: 16.63 percent below 2007 (1,664 homes sold to date in 2008 compared to 1,996 in 2007); and
Seminole: 28.85 percent below 2007 (2,289 sold to date in 2008 compared to 3,217 in 2007).
For detailed statistical reports, please visit www.orlrealtor.com and click on Housing Statistics on the top menu bar. This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Orlando Regional Realtor® Association or its Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Neither the Association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Association or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Due to late closings, an adjustment is necessary to record those closings posted after our reporting date.
ORRA Realtor® sales, referred to as the core market, represent all sales by members of the Orlando Regional Realtor® Association, not necessarily those sales strictly in Orange and Seminole counties. Note that statistics released each month may be revised in the future as new data is received.
Orlando MSA numbers reflect sales of homes located in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake counties by members of any Realtor® association, not just members of ORRA.
Statistics on the sales of area homes that are sold without the assistance of a Realtor® are available in the Real Estate Index, a report produced jointly by ORRA and the Real Estate Attorney’s Fund.
“days-on-market’ tally drops to its lowest level in 2008
(September, 2008 – Orlando, FL) Osceola County is the bright spot in this month’s housing statistics for the Orlando area: Nearly 9 percent more home sales took place in that county during August 2008 than during August 2007. Other market positives this month include the lowest days-on-market tally (113) so far this year and a fifth consecutive month with more pending sales than in 2007.
Those pending sales, considered by housing economists to be a reliable predictor of future sales activity, are expected to close the current year-to-date sales deficit of 23.30 percent by year end as there are 46.76 percent more homes under contract this month (3,220) than in August of 2007 (2,194).
Members of the Orlando Regional Realtor® Association sold 1,225 homes during the month of August, 16.78 percent below the (1,472) sold in July. That number is 16.50 percent below the total of 1,467 homes sold in August 2007.
The median sales price of a home in the Orlando area in August declined to $200,000, a 3.85 percent decrease compared to the July 2008 median of $208,000. (The median sales price for August 2008 is 18.03 percent below the August 2007 median of $244,000).
The decrease in the median home price to $200,000 means that the area’s affordability index jumped in August to 107.92 percent. (An affordability index of 99 percent means that buyers earning the state-reported median income are 1 percent short of the income necessary to purchase a median-priced home. Conversely, an affordability index that is over 100 means that median-income earners make more than is necessary to qualify for a median-priced home.) Buyers who earn the reported median income of $51,791 can qualify to purchase one of 9,765 homes in Orange and Seminole counties currently listed in the local multiple listing service (MLS) for $215,840 or less.
The first time homebuyer affordability index increased to 76.75 percent from July’s 73.64 percent.
The area’s average interest rate was 6.39 percent in August 2008, down from 6.40 percent in July, but still the second-highest percentage for the last 12 months.
Homes of all types spent an average of 113 days on the market before being sold in August 2008, and the average home sold for 92.77 percent of its listing price. In August 2007 those numbers were 108 and 95.02 percent, respectively.
The majority of single-family homes (197) that changed hands in August 2008 were sold in the $200,000 - $250,000 price range; another 113 homes sold in August for between $250,000 and $300,000. Four hundred thirty-five homes sold for less than $200,000 in August, and 271 sold for more than $300,000. On the far ends of the scale, 16 homes were sold for $1 million or more (the least this year) while 14 homes sold for less than $50,000 (the most this year).
Inventory
There are currently 24,834 homes available for purchase through the MLS. Inventory increased by 92 homes in August 2008, which means that 92 more homes entered the market than left the market. Compared to last year, the August 2008 inventory level (24,834) is 5.62 percent lower than it was in August 2007 (26,313).
The current inventory level reflects a 20.27-month supply at the current pace of sales, which is up from the 16.81-month supply recorded July. Altogether, inventory months-of-supply has declined 35.92 percent since January 2008.
There are 18,363 single-family homes currently listed in the MLS, a number that is more than 1,000 less than this time last year. Most (3,047) are listed in the $200,000 - $250,000 price range. Condos currently make up 4,377 offerings in the MLS, while duplexes/town homes/villas make up the remaining 2,094. Most condos (607) are priced at $120,000 - $140,000. The majority of duplexes/town homes/villas (383) are listed in the $200,000 - $250,000 price category.
Condos and Townhomes/Duplexes/Villas
The sales of condos in the Orlando area decreased by 31.33 percent in August: A total of 114 condos changed hands in August 2008 compared to 166 in August 2007. In a month-to-month comparison, August 2008 condo sales (114) decreased by 14.93 percent from July 2008 (134). Year to date, condo sales are down 43.71 percent, with 939 condos sold so far in 2008 compared to 1,668 sold through the same time in 2007.
In August, the most (20) condos that changed hands were in the $100,000 - $120,000 price category, while an additional 14 sold condos fell in the $140,000 – $160,000 range. The former price category has seen the most condo-sales activity for the last five months.
Orlando homebuyers purchased 95 duplexes, town homes, and villas in August 2008, which is a 29.10 percent decrease from August 2007 when 134 of these alternative housing types were purchased. Year-to-date, duplex, town home, and villa sales are down 19.36 percent. The majority (23) of duplexes, town homes, and villas sold in August 2008 fell into the $160,000 - $180,000 price category, while another 15 sold for between $200,000 and $250,000.
MSA Numbers
Sales of existing homes within the Orlando MSA (Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties) in August were down by 12.25 percent when compared to August of last year. Throughout the entire MSA, 1,518 homes were sold in August 2008 compared with 1,730 in August 2007. Year-to-date, the MSA is down by 22.45 percent, with 11,649 homes sold far in 2008 compared to 15,021 sold through August 2007.
Seminole County’s August 2008 sales dropped 30.90 percent below that of August 2007 (275 to 398), while Orange County fell 10.64 percent (764 to 855). Lake County saw a 5.84 percent decline in the number of sales in August 2008 compared to August 2007 (258 to 274), and Osceola County experienced an 8.87 percent increase (221 to 203).
Each county’s year-to-date sales comparisons are as follows:
Lake: 12.48 percent below 2007 (1,996 homes sold to date in 2008 compared to 2,281 in 2007);
Orange: 24.27 percent below 2007 (5,700 homes sold to date in 2008 compared to 7,527 in 2007);
Osceola: 16.63 percent below 2007 (1,664 homes sold to date in 2008 compared to 1,996 in 2007); and
Seminole: 28.85 percent below 2007 (2,289 sold to date in 2008 compared to 3,217 in 2007).
For detailed statistical reports, please visit www.orlrealtor.com and click on Housing Statistics on the top menu bar. This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Orlando Regional Realtor® Association or its Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Neither the Association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Association or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Due to late closings, an adjustment is necessary to record those closings posted after our reporting date.
ORRA Realtor® sales, referred to as the core market, represent all sales by members of the Orlando Regional Realtor® Association, not necessarily those sales strictly in Orange and Seminole counties. Note that statistics released each month may be revised in the future as new data is received.
Orlando MSA numbers reflect sales of homes located in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake counties by members of any Realtor® association, not just members of ORRA.
Statistics on the sales of area homes that are sold without the assistance of a Realtor® are available in the Real Estate Index, a report produced jointly by ORRA and the Real Estate Attorney’s Fund.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
