GOTTFRIED INTERNATIONAL ESTATES

Bill and Danielle Gottfried, Partners in the GOTTFRIED INTERNATIONAL ESTATES Team of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. in Houston, will be awarded the prestigious Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Designation and will join a worldwide referral network of elite global real estate professionals with expertise in working with international clients as well as with in-bound (to the U.S.) investors and client-buyers. The CIPS Designation is awarded by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), which represents over 1,200,000 REALTORS in the United States.  Bill and Danielle will be formally recognized at NAR's 2009 REALTORS Conference and Trade Expo in San Diego, California on November 14, 2009.

The CIPS Designation for Bill and Danielle augments their ongoing international real estate marketing, investment, and development activities. Bill and Danielle have a combined level of international business experience of over 50 years, with Bill having begun his professional career in the Arabian-Persian Gulf Region of the Middle East working in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, and Yemen.  Later in his career, Bill gained additional business experience in Mexico, where his Family has been involved in commerce since 1910, Europe, Russia, Kazakhstan, the Caspian Basin, South America, and Australia.  Bill and Danielle are currently active in real estate in the U.S., Mexico, Belize, and Europe, with additional activity planned for Russia, areas of the Middle East, and Asia.

Members of the CIPS Network are crucial players in today's global real estate market.  The CIPS Designation recognizes members who have achieved the necessary training and experience to work successfully with international clients and properties.  To earn the CIPS designation, REALTORS must complete rigorous coursework devoted to learning cultural differences and international business practices.  CIPS Designees must also prove achievement in international real estate transactions and must understand international finance and banking practices.

Bill and Danielle join a distinguished Society of over 1,600 real estate professionals thoughout the world who have earned the CIPS designation.  "This is a highly prestigious award in our industry" said Barbara Schmerzler, CIPS, NAR International Operations Committee Chair.   "Bill and Danielle Gottfried are now established as NAR experts in international real estate" adds Schmerzler.

Danielle Gottfried
tel:  713-299-8116 (direct global 24/7)
email:  daniellegottfried@gmail.com

Bill Gottfried
tel:  713-299-0653 (direct global 24/7)
email:  billgottfried@gmail.com

                      The Cote d'Azur - it does not get better than this!


The French Riviera, where the sun always shines, has enthralled the hearts and dreams of all who have visited this very idyllic area.  The eastern Cote d'Azur, from Cannes to the Italian border, including Monaco, the quintessential Kingdom, enjoys a gentle microclimate.   The magical coastline with all its glamour, warmth, and beauty, has captivated the rich and famous, and the not-so-rich and famous, for centuries.  Russian Czars vacationed on the Cote d'Azur 100 years ago.  The allure of the Riviera is undeniable.  It is home to magnificant mansions with breathtaking views.  We marketed a luxury villa in St. Jean Cap Ferrat that sold for $25 million (U.S.).   So, is it even possible for someone to own a piece of paradise for $100,000 or less?

It will be an interesting journey to find a small property that will meet our challenge.  Monetary conversion is always a factor in an international real estate transaction, the Euro is currently hovering around 1 Euro/$1.50 USD.  It has risen recently, making our house hunting along the Cote d'Azur somewhat more challenging.  Finding a property along the coast is preferred.  With the Cannes film festival, the huge tourist onslaught during the summer months, if the property is utilized for an investment, it would be more desirable if located in a coastal area.   The roads leading to the coast are always jammed in the summer, making a small investment property close to the sea even more ideal.

In Nice, with its palm tree lined promenades, we found a few apartments that are currently listed below $100,000 USD.  The first one is located in a beautiful older building, just steps away from the Promenade des Anglais and the Hotel Negresco, Nice's venerable "center of gravity", right by the sea.  This a fabulous location in Nice.  This flat is small with a kitchenette and a shower; total size is approximately 75 square feet; and the asking price is 26,000 Euro or approximately $39,000 USD.   Our second apartment is a 65 square foot flat on the top floor of a beautiful building and includes a WC; the building has a new elevator; and this flat is close to Nice's shops and transportation.  The asking price is $52,000 USD.   Our third find is a large studio, 301 square feet, with a small kitchen, counter top seating, tile floors, a nice living area, a WC and a shower.  The asking price is $97,000 USD, just under our $100K budget!

Traveling west from Nice to Antibes, past the Vieux Port (the old port), one of Europe's oldest yachting harbors, is the old town area.  In the old town, the lowest priced apartment we could find was a charming studio, 209 square feet.   The living room as a fireplace, exposed beams, and there is a shower/WC.  The unit is being sold furnished for $157,000 USD.

In Cannes, the Cannes Film Festival brings crushing crowds in May; in the Fall season, the crowds have dwindled.  We found a 295 square foot flat that is being sold with a current tenant in the apartment, so it is being sold rented.  There is a small kitchen, a shower/WC, and a balcony.  The current asking price is $162,000 USD and the current rental income is approximately $771.00 USD per month.

Whether you are considering buying or selling a property in Houston, purchasing a small investment property in France, or a beautiful mansion in the U.S. or Europe, our Gottfried International Estates Team can assist you with all of your real estate needs.  We are Transnational Referral Certified, we have the Certified Negotiation Expert Designation, and we are Certified International Property Specialists (CIPS)  - we know the international real estate marketplace.

Please contact us and we will be very pleased to support your real estate interests, we thank you for your kind consideration of our interest in working with you.

With our best regards, as always,

Bill Gottfried
tel: 713-299-0653 (direct global 24/7)
email:  billgottfried@gmail.com

Danielle Gottfried
tel:  713-299-8116 (direct global 24/7)
email:  daniellegottfried@gmail.com

      Danielle and I are currently seeking highly qualified REALTORS to join our GOTTFRIED INTERNATIONAL ESTATES Team at Keller Williams Realty in Houston.   We are looking for high energy, intellectually bright, technology and business oriented, success driven, motivated, and talented Real Estate Agents who would like to join our great Team and an outstanding company, Keller Williams Realty, which was just cited for 2008-2009 by J.D. Powers and Associates as the #1 national real estate brokerage company in the U.S. in terms of client satisfaction and customer service.  This is the 2nd year in a row that J.D. Powers has bestowed this high honor on Keller Williams Realty.   Keller Williams is currently the 3rd largest real estate brokerage company in the U.S. and going for the #1 market leader position.

     Our GOTTFRIED INTERNATIONAL ESTATES Team at Keller Williams is focused on real estate marketing and sales, investment, and development in Houston, in the farm and ranchland areas of Texas, in the premier coastal and inland areas of Mexico, in Central America, in the Caribbean Region, and in high-end/luxury markets in Europe, including Spain, France, Italy, and the U.K.   We are also looking at potential real estate marketing and sales activities in Russia and the Middle East.  While based in Houston, we have a global view of real estate.

    If you would like to take your real estate career to the next level and join a great Team and a dynamic Company, please contact Danielle or me and we would be delighted to discuss our plans with you and the benefits of being a Member of the Keller Williams Realty organization.    All expressions of interest will be handled confidentially.

    We very much appreciate your time and your consideration.

With our best regards,

Bill and Danielle Gottfried

Bill:  billgottfried@gmail.com;   tel: 713-299-0653

Danielle:  daniellegottfried@gmail.com; tel: 713-299-8116

      Lake Chapala, just a stone's throw south of Guadalajara, which by the way is only 2 hours south of Houston by air, is one of the most beautiful, peaceful, and idyllic settings in all of Mexico.   Lake Chapala is one of Mexico's most wonderful areas and is home to approximately 20,000 Americans who have found their new life "South of the Border".

     We will be writing more about the real estate opportunities in Lake Chapala soon.   In the meantime, we wanted to share with you this great music video that was graciously provided by Susan Howard, our Chapala real estate colleague and friend, who wanted to share a slice of the wonderful "Chapala ambiance" with all of us.    Thanks Susan!

    This group is called the Tall Boys, the gentleman on the keyboard, Flip, is a Realtor, the gentleman on the left, Dave, is a Professor with Connecticut State University, and the gentleman on the right, Joel, is a Computer Programmer.

    We hope you all enjoy this "taste of Chapala"!

(Officer Candidate Gottfried at Edgartown Yacht Club on Martha's Vineyard!)
    
         With great interest, Danielle and I are watching this year's vacation plans for President Obama and his Family, who, following in the footsteps of Bill and Hillary Clinton, are trekking up to Martha's Vineyard this weekend for a few days of R&R.  Bill and Hillary's sojourns to Martha's Vineyard during his Presidential years are well known as he was taking respite from his not-so-much fun days in Washington.

        Well, long before Barack and Michelle, and Bill and Hillary, discovered the idyllic and peaceful setting of Martha's Vineyard, another Bill found his way to this beautiful island.   I was an Officer Candidate at Naval Officer's Candidate School in Newport, R.I. and we were one of the first OCS Classes granted weekend passes.  So, on the first weekend we were free, which was a Memorial Day weekend, two OCS classmates and I decided to find out what Martha's Vineyard was all about.  I have to tell you, it was really tough leaving and going back to OCS that weekend!  We headed back to Martha's Vineyard again during the 4th of July weekend that year.    Later in life, after Danielle and I met, she and I have been heading to Martha's Vineyard for peace and quiet whenever we get the chance.

      I'm not saying I paved the way for future Presidents to find their way to Martha's Vineyard, I am saying I got there first!

     A great weekend to all!

         I just wanted to share this photograph of the beautiful scenery in the area of the new luxury residential development we are working on in the South of France in the Montagnac area.   This is the area where the new golf course and club house will be built.    It will be stunning when completed.

     Arising within the stunningly elegant and idyllic hills in the South of France, about midway between Montpellier and Beziers, near the town of Montagnac, a new luxury residential development is coming to life, the most exciting new development in the South of France.   This new development will combine luxury homes, an 18 hole golf course and elegant club, and a luxurious spa.  The entire development will encircle a 400 year old Chateau (pictured above), which is to become a 5 star hotel where you will sip the best champagne France has to offer on limestone terraces overlooking the Chateau's formal gardens, a truly magical setting!

   This new luxury development sits within the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, between the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the rolling vineyards of the world's largest wine producing region.   The development's 192 hectares of vineyards and woodland areas are only 15 minutes from the Mediterranean where sandy beaches stretch on for miles and miles and the allure of French seaports serve France's best seafood.   Only 30 minutes northeast of this new development is Montpellier, one of France's most popular cities and home to wonderful galleries, boutiques, and cultural venues.

   After years in the shadow of Provence and the Cote d'Azur, the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France has gained prominence in its own right.  The region boasts unspoiled landscapes and miles of beautiful Mediterranean beaches which have become increasingly popular with international tourists as well as with buyers and investors looking for quality real estate investments in the South of France.

    Interestingly, property prices and tourism have risen faster in this area of France in recent years than in other regions of France (source: France Tourism Ministry).  Property values increased on average by 7% during 2007 compared to approximately 3% for France as a whole (source: French Real Estate Federation, FNAIM).   The Languedoc-Roussillon region enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year, almost unmatched by other areas in France.

     France offers property buyers and investors a stable economy, highly protective property legislation, and a planning regime that protects against over development.   The Languedoc's property and tourism sectors are showing healthy growth, which bodes well for real estate investment.

    Danielle and I are privileged to be representing this new luxury residential and golf course development in the South of France and we are representing the developer of this project throughout The State of Texas.  We look forward to sharing more of the development plans with you.  This is truly one of the most exciting new developments in the South of France.

   If you would like to learn more about this beautiful area of France, and the area's real estate investment opportunities, please contact Danielle or me and we would be pleased to "take you on a tour"!

Very best to all,

Bill Gottfried, billgottfried@gmail.com, 713-299-0653 (global)

Danielle Gottfried, daniellegottfried@gmail.com, 713-299-8116 (global)

    One of the premier luxury communities in Punta Mita, Mexico - "Paradise By The Bay" has significantly reduced the price on their last three completed townhouse residences affording an outstanding buying and investment opportunity.   Punta Mita, Mexico's premier resort development, is located a short 35 miles west of Puerto Vallarta which is only 2 flying hours from Houston or Dallas.

Each elegant townhouse Villa contains over 2,800 square feet of living area on three levels with three bedrooms, four bathrooms, outdoor living areas on each level, plunge pools, and stunning panoramic views of the spectacular Bahia de Banderas.

The townhouse Villas are constructed with extremely high quality and furnished with premier U.S. and European appliances.  The Villas include full garages with a new golf cart and all of the amenities one would expect in Mexico's premier resort destination.    The Villa residences are surrounded by a new Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and are located in a totally secure and gated bay-front community in a beautifully landscaped setting.

These Villa residences are now being offered for $750,000.00 (USD) each,  providing a unique opportunity to be part of the Punta Mita elegant and luxurious lifestyle at a remarkable price.

Come home to a 1,500 acre oasis separating the Bay of Banderas from the Pacific Ocean, a peninsula so magical ancient civilizations called it "A Portal to Heaven".

Stand on your own private terrace and take in the lush greens and the ocean blues.  Breathe the tropical fragrances, and you too will feel transported into another world.  This is the elegance and luxury of Punta Mita, where club-style amenities and world class services elevate this ocean community to a relaxing and rejuvenating sanctuary.

We can take you here!   Please contact us for additional information on this wonderful opportunity to become part of "Paradise By the Bay"!

Bill Gottfried at billgottfried@gmail.com, tel 713-299-0653 (global).

Danielle Gottfried at daniellegottfried@gmail.com, tel 713-299-8116 (global)

We'll see you in Punta Mita!

     Photo of lavender fields in Provence in the South of France, courtesy of our friends at France Monthly.

    Danielle and I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to travel throughout France for the past 30+ years and every time we go, we are totally enchanted with the French countryside and the wonderful ambiance that we always find.   I started going to France in the mid'70's, when I was apparently quite young, and did not know a word of French!  I had absolutely no trouble at all then, nor since, in living and traveling throughout France.  Later, I met Danielle, who is of Spanish-French heritage,  I not only gained a wife, I gained a great translator as well!

     The South of France, and Provence in particular, is an idyllic, beautiful, and serene corner of the world that has been written about by countless authors and inhabited by talented artists, painters, journalists, and people from all over.  Danielle and I have thought many times about moving over, getting our vineyard, and running our businesses from a renovated French farm house, this notion is still discussed frequently!

  We will be talking more about France, including Paris, Normandy, Provence, and the Cote d'Azur in the weeks ahead.   Please stay with us as we explore more of France and share with you the excitement we feel every time we land on French soil!

Very best to all!

Bill and Danielle